Some women accomplish great things in their lifetimes – become a supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, push mental health research, create a rehabilitation center for substance abuse and even become the Secretary of State.

This is what Sharon Alter, a professor emeritus of history and political science at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, plans to examine. As a part of the Academy of Lifetime Learning workshop, Alter will present the “First Ladies as Activists” at 2 p.m. today in the Tarble Arts Center.

This presentation, co-sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council, compares and contrasts the roles, trials and tribulations and accomplishments of Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Hilary Rodham Clinton as first ladies.

Alter has a Master of Arts in History, has taught history and political science for more than 30 years and is active in promoting the history of women and women in politics in the United States.

Janna Overstreet, the project coordinator, said she and the rest of the Academy wanted to bring in Alter to hopefully provide a different perspective on the first ladies and their legacy after the end of their husband’s term.

“I think it will be interesting to see a side of the first ladies we were not aware of before,” Overstreet said.

The Academy is a learning community, sponsored by the School of Continuing Education, and currently has 1,100 members. It is open to everyone in the area who is age 50 and over and who has a curiosity and desire to learn, Overstreet said.

“Our goal is to have an opportunity to learn in a relaxed atmosphere,” Overstreet said.

Shelley Holmgren can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].