Exams to cram for, papers to write and 8 a.m. classes to attend, all the while trying to maintain a good GPA and social life are just some the challenges students have to face to be successful in college.

The NIU Chapter of Alpha Psi Lambda, sponsored by the Center for Black Studies, will bring motivational and educational speaker Bill McCoy to NIU.

McCoy’s lecture is called, “How minorities can make it through college successfully.” Before he motivates students with guidance, the NIU Dance Quente dance group will liven up the audience with some salsa and merengui dances.

The program starts at 7 p.m. tonight in the Holmes Student Center’s Diversions Lounge.

“This is to promote unity and diversity within the NIU campus,” said Elvia Franco, program coordinator for the University Resources for Latinos.

McCoy is an NIU alum and has done motivational speaking at Oklahoma State University and the National Conference for the Leader Development Institute.

Jesus Rojas, president of APL, saw McCoy speak this summer at a national conference in Milwaukee, Wis.

“I liked the way he talked and presented himself,” Rojas said. “He was a down-to-earth guy.”

Alpha Psi Lambda hopes that the lecture will provide support and motivation for their fellow students on campus.

“If a student goes there and they get motivated to ace a test, then we’ve done our job,” said Dan Cida, APL’s internal vice president.

Rojas hopes that McCoy will give students some inspiration.

“A lot of the time students don’t have that bright light at the end of the road to see what their degree can do for them,” Rojas said.

All students are welcome to attend the event.