The Rebovich Institute hosts an event with Tom Ridge

The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University will present “The Challenges of Homeland Security: An Evening with Hon. Tom Ridge” on April 18.

Ridge was the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the 43rd governor of Pennsylvania. He is the current chairman of Ridge Global, a company he founded to offer strategic counsel on identifying, preparing for and mitigating cyber risk.

“Tom Ridge has a unique insight into the challenges of homeland security that face our nation,” said Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute. “He remains an important voice in the debate about the most effective ways to confront terrorism, cyber security and other issues that threaten our peace and safety at home and abroad.”

The federal government created the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the attacks of Sept. 11 and appointed Ridge as its first secretary, where he served until 2005. His responsibilities included developing a unified national response and recovery plan, protecting critical infrastructure, and integrating new technology and improved information sharing worldwide.

As a twice-elected governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge implemented an aggressive technology strategy that helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment.

Ridge has degrees from Harvard University and Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law. He also served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and as a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served six terms.

“The Challenges of Homeland Security: An Evening with Hon. Tom Ridge” will begin with a light reception at 6 p.m., followed by remarks at 7 p.m. and a question-and-answer period with the audience. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Cavalla Room in the Bart Luedeke Center on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors are encouraged to register online.

This program coincides with the launch of Rider University's new M.A. program in Homeland Security Studies. The 36-credit program offers a distinctive, multidisciplinary approach to preparing professionals for leadership roles in protecting the United States, its interests and its allies from terrorist attacks, as well as responding to natural disasters and other threats to the safety and welfare of our communities, state and nation. Coursework is ideally scheduled for working professionals, featuring both evening and blended (in-person and online) classes.

Questions about the program should be directed to Susan Cuccia at 609-896-5350 or [email protected].