Ridge to address U. commencement

Tom Ridge, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will deliver the University of Utah's commencement address May 7.

That's a switch from an announcement earlier this month. School administrators said former U. President Bernie Machen would deliver the address. A press release Thursday stated that Machen agreed to give the address if Ridge could not be confirmed. Ridge's office confirmed yesterday.

In January 2003, Ridge became the first Homeland Security director, overseeing 180,000 employees from combined agencies to "strengthen" America's borders. Ridge also served twice as governor of Pennsylvania, cutting taxes every year he was in office.

Machen, now president of the University of Florida, will also be on hand at graduation ceremonies to receive an honorary doctorate.