What the Navistar Scholarship Means to Students

These students are benefitting from the innovative partnership between North Central and Navistar. Whether from small Illinois towns or as far away as Colombia and Uganda, they represent the next generation of engineers.

“The first people I told about receiving the Navistar Emerging Leader Scholarship were my parents. I was so overjoyed that I just had to let them know. They are always there for me, so they were the first people I could think of. Someday, I hope to encourage other Hispanic students to get into engineering.”

STEPHANY NAVARRO ’25

“As a first-generation student, I know that college is a big financial burden for many, and this scholarship means I’m able to attend North Central and proceed with my higher education as planned. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in the manufacturing processes and work for a company like Navistar.”

SANDRA MARQUEZ ’23

“The scholarship means a lot to me because it allows me to devote all of my time to doing my best as an engineering student and as a student-athlete. I dream of being an entrepreneur and creating my own product in the future. However, immediately after college, I hope to obtain a stable job at a company that is a leader in innovation and is environmentally responsible.”

LUKE ZOBRIST ’24

“As an international student — originally from Bogota, Colombia — this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies knowing the tuition portion is covered. The first person I told I received the scholarship was my mom, as she’s been an incredible support throughout my educational journey.”

JOEL FORERO MEJIA ’25

“This scholarship symbolizes someone’s trust in me and my dream to become a mechanical engineer as a Black girl. The first people I told that I received the award were my mum and my roommate. I knew they would be more than happy to celebrate that achievement with me.”

STELLA NAKAZZI ’25

“Through the Navistar scholarship, I hope to expand my network in the engineering world — learning the ins and outs of the industry and allowing me to one day be an employee there myself. I aspire to work with cars and electronics, and this scholarship is the starting place on my road to future success.”

EUGENE KALIN ’26