SALEM, Mass. - The man who brought a declining New York City back to greatness during his eight years as mayor will close out the 21st season of the Salem State College Series.

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani will present his talk on "Leadership in Difficult Times" at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1 in the college's O'Keefe Sports Complex on Canal Street.

During Giuliani's two terms as mayor, New Yorkers saw their crime rate reduced by 57 percent and their welfare rolls cut in half. Giuliani's Republican administration is also credited with reducing taxes by $2.5 billion while creating a record number of jobs.

With the tragic events of September 11, the rest of the world discovered what New Yorkers already knew -- that Rudy Giuliani was a determined leader who could demonstrate remarkable strength and stability in a time of uncertainty. As "America's Mayor," he calmed, consoled and reassured the rest of the nation. He urged citizens to return to their normal lives and refuse the terrorists their disruptive goals.

For his leadership in a time of crisis, Time magazine named Giuliani its 2001 "Person of the Year."

Tickets are available by calling the Series Box Office at (978) 542-7555. For more information, visit the college's Web site at www.salemstate.edu/series