Tom Ridge, first Sec. of Homeland Security, to speak at Queens Oct. 30
Ridge’s new memoir looks back at challenges his department faced after Sept. 11 terror attacks

Charlotte, N.C. (Oct. 5, 2009) – The World Affairs Council of Charlotte and the Learning Society of Queens will host Tom Ridge, first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Oct. 30.

He will discuss his new memoir, “The Test of Our Times: America Under Siege… And How We Can Be Safe Again.” In the book, released in September 2009, he takes the reader through the challenges his new department faced, including Anthrax scares and reports of Al-Qaeda operations sprouting up in the United States.

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte and The Learning Society of Queens will host Ridge’s lecture at 7 p.m. in Dana Auditorium. Tickets are $40 and are available at www.queens.edu/learningsociety

Often called a “law and order” Republican, Ridge was considered to become John McCain’s running mate in 2008. He writes with candor on the successes and missteps of his time with the then-new Department of Homeland Security. He ends with recommendations for his successors regarding immigration reform, energy independence and other timely issues.

Ridge also is a former Congressman and governor of Pennsylvania, and is now president and CEO of Ridge Global, which consults on security, diplomacy, international relations and economic development. He is based in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF CHARLOTTE - The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is a non-profit, non-partisan organization supported by contributions from individuals, corporate members, and foundations. By serving as a regional center for education and discussion of world affairs, WACC seeks to provide leadership for global thinking, believing that a broad perspective is necessary for effective competition in the global economy and for responsible citizenship in an increasingly interdependent political world. For more information, please go to www.worldaffairscharlotte.org

ABOUT QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE - Queens University of Charlotte is a private, co-ed, Presbyterian-affiliated comprehensive university with a commitment to both liberal arts and professional studies. Located in the heart of historic Charlotte, Queens serves approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students through its College of Arts and Sciences, the McColl School of Business, the Presbyterian School of Nursing, the Wayland H. Cato, Jr. School of Education, the School of Communication and Hayworth College for Adult Studies.

#END#