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Former Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh, now counsel to K & L Gates, LLP, will address students, alumni and the business community at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business on the importance of “Science and Technology and the Governing Process: A Focus on the Three E’s of Education, Energy and Economic Development.” This “A View From The Top” event will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. at 109 Matheson Hall, on the University City Main Campus at 32nd and Market Streets. During his presentation, Thornburgh will amplify his belief that the U.S. government should invest more in education, energy development, and economic development. These are areas that Thornburgh says the candidates for the U.S. presidency, Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama, have not addressed sufficiently. “There’s been a lot of talk in generalities about energy and the need to end our dependence on foreign oil, but when it comes to real commitments about creating alternate energy sources both candidates are a little light on specifics,” Thornburgh said. Thornburgh will also discuss how to encourage more U.S. college students to major in math and science, particularly as fields such as finance have become less lucrative in the current economic downturn. He also believes that there must be more incentives for teachers to become instructors of math and science.“In these days of stress in the financial community, it’s important to make things and make deals and to increase the productivity of the workforce,” said Thornburgh. “Innovation has been one of the major contributions the U.S. has made to economic development at home and around the world. Undertaking this innovation requires a strong base in technology.” Dr. George P. Tsetsekos, dean of LeBow College of Business, added: “The turbulent events affecting the financial markets demonstrate more than ever that innovation and entrepreneurship through technology will be vital to strengthening and sustaining the U.S. economy, and by extension, the world’s economy. Thornburgh has been a strong advocate in these areas and as we educate our students to become the leaders who will drive global economic activity, his presentation will have a great impact upon them.”During Thornburgh’s administration, from 1979 to 1987, he created the Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) which has helped make Pennsylvania the No.1 state for research and development expenditures. BFTP focuses on building Pennsylvania’s economy by emphasizing technological innovation and entrepreneurial development. For a podcast preview of Gov. Thornburgh’s presentation, visit http://www.lebow.drexel.edu/Newsroom/Podcasts/media.html. News Media Contacts: Richard Barnes, Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, 215-895-2075 or richardb@drexel.edu Niki Gianakaris, Assistant Director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu