The First Ladies of the United States are often overlooked for their importance to the presidency; however, to understand all aspects of the presidency, one needs to recognize how first ladies have influenced the highest political office in the land. The Adams State University Faculty Lecture, Exceptional Presidential Companions: The First Ladies as an Essential Institution to the Presidency, by Jess Gagliardi, instructor of developmental education, begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in Porter Hall room 130.
The history of First Ladies of the United States offers a unique and fascinating historical scale in understanding women in different time periods, as well as the evolution of how first ladies have grown to be essential facets of the presidency. From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, many first ladies have been instrumental in the presidency, offering support, advisement and political camaraderie.
This faculty lecture presentation aims building upon the historiography and pivotal research done by Paul Boller, Betty Boyd Caroli and others, at surveying selected first ladies with particular attention to more recent first ladies including Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, Rosalyn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama who have taken on causes and programs they believe necessary during their time in office.
All ASU Faculty Lectures in the series are free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments will be offered. For further information on the series of lectures, contact Dr. Kristy Duran, associate professor of biology, at 719-587-7767, or klduran@adams.edu.
