Gov Richardson to Be Honored by Eastern Technology Council at Drexel

What: A week before Memorial Day and the start of the summer driving season, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will visit Drexel University to put on the table what everyone’s talking about: skyrocketing oil prices and energy.The former Democratic presidential candidate will approach those topics from economic, diplomatic and strategic standpoints in a presentation titled “Energy: A Flashpoint for Change.” Richardson’s visit is part of the Eastern Technology Council’s “Titans of Technology” series, which honors global technology innovators.Visuals: • Two Drexel Public Safety hybrid fleet vehicles, a new concept fuel-cell hybrid vehicle and a PECO hybrid bucket truck — symbolizing that universities and companies are making the change to wave-of-the-future vehicles — parked outside Drexel’s Main Building • Drexel College of Engineering displays on fuel-cell technologyWho: • Drexel President Papadakis will open the event with introductory remarks • Dr. Donna Gentile O’Donnell, managing director of the Eastern Technology Council and Drexel trustee, will introduce Richardson and present him with a Titans of Technology awardWhen: Tuesday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Where: Auditorium in Drexel’s Main Building, 32nd and Chestnut streetsBackground: Richardson served in Congress for 14 years in diplomatic and leadership roles and became an international troubleshooter. As Secretary of Energy, he laid the foundation for an aggressive strategy to move the United States away from dependency on foreign oil and toward renewable energy resources.News media contacts: Brian Rossiter, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-2705, 267-228-5599 (cell) or brian.rossiter@drexel.edu Pamela Seitzer, Eastern Technology Council 215-264-3878 (cell) or pseitzer@techcouncilphila.org