U.S. Defense Secretary Cheney to speak at Wharton next month

U.S. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, one of President Bush's closest advisors, will speak at the Wharton School on November 5. Although a Wharton dean billed the speech as a Wharton-only event, Media Relations Director Chris Hardwick said last night that if other people register before the 500 tickets run out, they will not be turned away. Cheney's speech is being coordinated by Wharton Dean Thomas Gerrity's office. Students said yesterday they are excited by the prospect of hearing Cheney, but many said they are upset that Wharton is trying to limit the attendance to business school members. "It's a good opportunity to question Cheney about the war," said Wharton senior David Gross. But Gross added that he feels it is "unfair" that some students may not be allowed to attend. "The whole University community should be able to hear him," Aronin said. "When [the PPU] brings speakers, we don't say only people from the PPU can come. It just irritates one because Wharton is supposed to enhance the University and when it does that it only enhances itself." At talks at other colleges, Cheney has been attacked for the military's stance preventing homosexuals from serving in the armed forces. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance member Marci Gambarota said that while her organization recognizes Cheney's right to speak, many will be upset that he was chosen. "I think a lot of people in the LGBA support the right of free speech, but I think people will object to [Cheney]," said College senior Gambarota. Cheney has not yet announced a specific topic for the lecture, which will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Dunlop Auditorium of the Medical Education Building, but according to Clark, Cheney will most likely speak on "the changing geopolitical situation." Cheney will answer questions informally at a luncheon before his speech, Clark said. Undergraduate and graduate student leaders, Wharton faculty, and corporations that have ties to Wharton will be invited to the luncheon. Cheney will also attend a black tie dinner in Philadelphia that evening, according to Andrea Sneed from Cheney's public affairs office. The Julius Steinberg Memorial Lecture, which is sponsoring Cheney's speech, has brought speakers involved in current social and economic issues to campus since 1981. "We chose [Cheney] because of the changes that are going on in the geopolitical scene which he's involved in," Clark said. "We're very pleased that he's coming to speak." Finance Professor Bulent Gultekin was instrumental in convincing Cheney to come to the university, Clark said. Gultekin could not be reached for commment this week. Those elegible for the talk can sign up for tickets in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall on a first-come first-serve basis.

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