On Friday, former FBI Director Louis Freeh helped dedicate the new Penn State Business Building by talking about the country's need to strike a balance between economic freedom and security in a post-Sept. 11, 2001, world.

"After 9/11, these old but powerful notions of limiting national security had to be addressed," Freeh said. "Homeland security has taken on a critical role ... it has changed how we go about our lives."

Freeh said Sept. 11 proved how economically vulnerable our country could be when faced with an attack of that magnitude because it greatly affected commerce and business. He said the inability of ATMs to function at the time was just a simple example.

"All of our military superiority and ability won't succeed without the skills and ingenuity of corporate America, and you are a launching pad of that," he said.

Since resigning as FBI director in June 2001, Freeh has served as vice chairman and general counsel for MBNA America Bank, overseeing several departments, including an ethics office and special investigation unit.

Freeh also discussed the changes that have occurred within the FBI since it was created in 1909, such as the powers to arrest and carry firearms, which came to the agency in 1933.

Even though many other countries have a large national police power, Freeh said the FBI has remained smaller than the size of the Chicago City Police Department.

Smeal College of Business spokesman Andrew Krebs said that he was pleased Freeh's address recognized the role academia plays in business and government development.

"It's still jarring, the nature of the challenges that the country faces," Krebs said. "But it's heartening to know the students' role ... it's inspirational for them to know that they can have a role to play in much greater issues than the bottom line."

More than 200 people attended Freeh's speech in the Business Building's Struthers Auditorium.

Scott Moore (sophomore-finance) said he didn't quite see eye-to-eye with Freeh.

"I don't necessarily agree with everything he said since he's more liberal with his idea of a balance between liberty and privacy," Moore said. "But the theme is obviously appropriate."

Prior to serving as FBI director, Freeh worked as a federal judge and assistant U.S. attorney.

Amanda Garries (sophomore-supply chain and information systems) said that Freeh's various positions have exposed him to a host of experiences.

"He has the civilian standpoint and an FBI standpoint, which allows him to understand why security measures have to be done," Garries said.