President John Peters will deliver his sixth annual State of the University Address this afternoon at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of Altgeld Hall.

“This year, what I’m going to do is focus on NIU over the past five years,” Peters said.

The speech will highlight what the president has observed and also recognize accomplishments of the university. The speech will end with what Peters considers are the challenges the university will face in the next five years. It also will deal with issues of interest for students and the success of fundraising the university has had.

Though he understands students have class and busy schedules, Peters encourages students to attend.

“At some point in their university career, they should hear their president speak about the status of the university,” he said.

The speech also will be posted online at www.northernstar.info after it is delivered.

Among those expected to attend the address, which is open to the public, are State Representative Robert Pritchard, State Senator Brad Burzynski and DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer.