NDSU is scheduled to host poet, playwright and motivational speaker LeDerick Horne on Wednesday, April 6, at 3:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Prairie Rose room.

A severe learning disability, combined with low self-esteem, led Horne to doubt he would be able to go to college or pursue a meaningful career. Despite facing barriers, hebecame a successful entrepreneur and advocate.

According to his website, Horne graduated with honors from New Jersey City University in 2003. He has since become the head of his own real estate investment company called Horne and Associates LLC. He also was appointed board chair of Project Eye-To-Eye, a national nonprofit organization that provides mentoring programs for students with Learning Disabilities/Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (LD/ADHD).

Horne has presented to groups from students and faculty at Harvard University to youth and staff at correctional facilities. His message addresses increasing confidence, academic performance, self-determination and self-advocacy by challenging conventional pedagogy. Horne asks his audiences to look beyond negative labels.

Sponsors of Horne’s presentation include NDSU Equity and Diversity Center, NDSU Department of Residence Life, YMCA of NDSU, Metro Area Mayors Committee forPeople with Disabilities, NDSU Student Activities, NDSU Diversity Council, NDSU Disability Services and NDSU Cooperative Sponsorship Committee.

For more information,contact Jen Erickson, disability specialist, at (701) 231-7714 or jennifer.erickson@ndsu.edu.