E. Eugene Carter and Rita Rodriguez embody the impact that finances have on one’s future.
Both come from humble economic roots and both were aided significantly by academic scholarships. Their subsequent educational success paved the way to extraordinary careers, which, in turn, have sparked their passion to help the next generation of students.
That’s the backdrop to Carter’s visit in June to the Engineering Building, the hub of NIU’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET). He met with three engineering students and their families who have been or will be impacted by the Carter-Rodriguez Scholarship for Women in Engineering.
The scholarship, established nearly 20 years ago at NIU, helps Hispanic women who are the first generation of their family to enroll in college. Given upon graduation, the EEC Foundation repays a student’s federally subsidized loan up to $20,000.
The EEC Foundation eliminates much, and in some cases, all of students’ loan debt. To date, more than 400 young adults at over 20 U.S. public universities have benefited from this remarkable support.
At NIU, among this group is Genesis Alvizo Serna, a 2024 biomedical engineering graduate who was among the three students who recently met Carter.
“I was in awe to finally meet the person who has made such an impact on my life… I now feel a stronger sense of responsibility to make an impact,” Alvizo Serna said.
The scholarship has dramatically lowered Alvizo Serna’s student debt to about $2,000, which has freed her up to provide more for her parents financially and will enable her to save that much sooner for a wedding and future home.
Of all the teachings that Carter shared with scholarship recipients, Alvizo Serna was most affected by the importance of talking to people, regardless of who they are.
“At work and in other parts of my life, I’ve taken that to heart and I can feel the difference that it’s already making—the opportunities for learning and how it’s increased my confidence,” she said.
For Yuliana Lopez, a biomedical engineering major entering her senior year, the scholarship “relieves the stress of worrying so much about student loans and working overload while continuing my studies. I can now work regular hours and focus more on my classes and family,” she said. “Also, I can dedicate some time to joining clubs that I have been interested in since orientation such as SHPE and make some new friends.”
During the reception for Carter, Lopez was impressed with how he “genuinely cared about our experiences as well” and said she was encouraged by his counsel to “explore different and new fields.”
“Just because we are studying engineering doesn’t mean we just have to be an engineer,” Lopez recalled. “We can and should dabble in other careers. It opened my eyes to new possibilities on how to use my education.”
Melanie Torres, a biomedical engineering major, said having a family member at the reception made the occasion especially meaningful.
“Being there with my mother as a first-generation student made me so proud. I was able to show my mom that all of her hard work raising me and all the hard work I put into school was paying off,” Torres said. “The scholarship has enabled me to focus on school instead of having to work two jobs to be able to afford school and rent.”
During the two-hour visit, Carter received a tour of the Engineering Building from CEET Dean Dave Grewell. In addition, Carter shared a print-out of insights that he’s come across or developed throughout his lifetime.
Given the circumstances of the gathering, one of those pearls of wisdom stood out as particularly fitting: “Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.”
Learn more about the Carter Opportunity Scholarship, as well as other scholarships available to eligible CEET students, on our Scholarships page.
