Libby Anderson Cater Halaby, the first female president of the Student Government Association at the University of Alabama will attend a reception in her honor today at 5 p.m. in the Anderson Room of the Ferguson Center.

“She will be presented with a key to the city by Tuscaloosa City Councilwoman Cynthia Almond at a reception, and she will speak to the SGA at 6:15 p.m.,” UA spokeswoman Cathy Andreen, said in an e-mailed statement.

Halaby served as president from 1944-45, according to Kayla Lisenby, historian for the Anderson Society.

“She was the first female president of the University of Alabama SGA and demonstrated exemplary leadership during a tumultuous time in history,” Lisenby said.

Halaby filled the presidential position as the men from campus were called away to World War II.

Halaby graduated from the University with a bachelor’s of science degree in 1946, according to Lisenby.

Honors societies such as Blue Key, Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa will be co-hosting with the Anderson Society, Lisenby said.

The Anderson Society is named after Libby Anderson Cater Halaby.

“Anderson Society members are selected based on outstanding accomplishments in leadership to the University and the community,” Lisenby said. “Twenty-four active members of the rising senior class are selected for membership each year.”

Members of the Anderson Society, Blue Key, Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa, along with a few special guests, are invited to attend the reception.