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Saint Francis University Hosts Former N.J. Governor Chris Christie

Loretto, PA (09/22/2021) — Chris Christie, the 55th Governor of New Jersey, spoke at Saint Francis University on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, as part of The Robert & Thelma Gleason Lecture Series on American Politics and Government.

The University's Center for the Study of Government and Law hosted the former governor as the fourth lecturer in the history of the series which offers academic enrichment for the student body, particularly those pursuing degrees in political science.

Christie took office on January 19, 2010. He was re-elected with 60% of the vote in November of 2013 and served two terms as Governor before leaving office in January of 2018. During his time in office, Governor Christie emphasized the issues of budget reform, pension and health benefit reform, school choice and education reform, and the opioid crisis gripping his state and the nation. His March 2017 law restricting opioid prescriptions led to a 26% reduction in those prescriptions in its first year. He also devised the state's groundbreaking response to Superstorm Sandy, leading the rebuilding of the state's housing, infrastructure, and public schools and setting a bi-partisan example for storm recovery.

He was in the private practice of law from 1987-2001 specializing in corporate law, securities matters, and appellate advocacy. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in Political Science in 1984. He was awarded a Juris Doctor degree by Seton Hall University School of Law in 1987. He is admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey, the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, and the United States Supreme Court.

In 2019, he authored The New York Times bestseller, Let Me Finish, about his life and career in New Jersey and as a candidate for President. He is also the author of the forthcoming book "Republican Rescue: Saving the Party From Truth Deniers, Conspiracy Theorists, and the Dangerous Policies of Joe Biden."

He is now a Senior Legal and Political Commentator for ABC News and the Managing Member of the Christie Law Firm and Christie 55 Solutions, LLC in Morristown, NJ.

About The Robert & Thelma Gleason Lecture Series

The Robert & Thelma Gleason Lecture Series on American Politics and Government is funded through an endowment established by Robert A. Gleason, Jr., Christopher K. Gleason, and Pamela Gleason Murdock to honor their parents' legacy of public service and civic responsibility. This lecture series is an attempt to give something back to the American political system, which the Gleasons have firmly believed in and have always supported.

Bob Gleason, Sr., was a 1932 alumnus of Saint Francis College, Loretto. In 1981, Saint Francis conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree, recognizing him as "a man who has manifested his love for his hometown area through many years of political and social action." Bob amassed accolades and recognition for outstanding dedication and service to the principles and goals of the political system.

Media Attachments

Former New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie poses for a photo with Saint Francis University President, Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., and members of the Student Government Association.

Saint Francis University

Marie Young (814) 472-3127 myoung@francis.edu, Erin McCloskey (814) 472-3938 emcccloskey@francis.edu

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