Alex Paytuvi

Consuelo and Carlos Paytuvi were immigrants to the United States by way of Cuba after fleeing communist Cuba in hopes for a better life for their children and themselves. Upon fleeing the Paytuvi family was split as the government required that any airfare be purchased with U.S. dollars instead of the local Cuban peso. U.S. dollars were very difficult to come by so the decision was made that, hopefully temporarily, that Mr. Paytuvi would forge a new path for his family. Carlos went to Spain, leaving his wife and young daughter, where he awaited approval to enter the United States. Consuelo stayed in Cuba while waiting for the Cuban government to approve her departure. Roughly a year later, upon receiving permission to leave, Mrs. Paytuvi and her daughter immediately headed to Mexico where they applied for entry in the United States so that they could reunite as a family.Consuelo and Carlos, while in Cuba, attended the University of Havana. Mrs. Paytuvi received a degree in Accounting and Finance and Mr. Paytuvi received his degree in Commercial Arts and Advertising. However, even though both were highly educated, upon arriving in the United States, they took jobs working in factories to make ends meet, knowing that through hard work and the educations they had earned, things would work out for them. To the Paytuvi family, the United States was a land of opportunity, rewarding those willing to work hard and educate themselves. As time passed Carlos, started working in a factory at Duo Fast Corporation making parts for pneumatic nail guns. From there he found a job as a pattern maker for the Florsheim Shoe Company. After three years in this role he was taken off the factory floor and promoted as an assistant to Florsheim?s head designer. Here Mr. Paytuvi would be the prot?g? of Florsheim?s head shoe designer. This career in fashion flourished as within five years Carlos; became the Head Senior Designer for Florsheim. In this role Mr. Carlos responsibilities included developing lines of shoes for each season and working with suppliers and factories to develop the best quality footwear in the business. His career there would span over thirty five years and enable him to travel the world and leave his mark in the business. Consuelo began working in the U.S. by taking a job at the Zenith Television factory. Having formerly been the Accounting Controller for the largest hospital in Havana, she knew that this was just the first step in establishing herself in the United States and she also knew that through perseverance and her education that in time she would be off on a new path. After some time working in the Zenith factory, Consuelo moved back into the world of accountancy and was employed by various manufacturing companies and banks where she had a successful career spanning a multitude of roles specific to the accountancy profession. Both Consuelo and Carlos have instilled a passion for education, hard work and family within their children and their grandchildren. A college education was never considered an optional exercise, but just a first step in continuing a professional education. Their son, Alex, has a Bachelor of Science degree in operations management and information systems, and a Master?s of Science degree in information systems from Northern Illinois University?s College of Business. Alex has also been a longtime supporter of Northern Illinois University, serving on the OM&IS board for more than a decade. His career has spanned nearly twenty years and after of a decade of work as a consultant, Alex?s last eight years have been working for Microsoft. Alex has established this scholarship in his parent?s names because ?they are my heroes, supporting me in everything I have ever chosen to apply myself to. They have always made it clear that education is a key that opens many doors. Having that key and some ambition can take you as far as you want to go.? He hopes the students who are awarded this scholarship have the best of luck in their personal and professional pursuits and are passionate about everything they do. To these students, Alex says, ?Challenge conventional thought and lead by example, and to remember, failure is a good thing. Failure means you are trying. Fail fast and keep going. Perseverance accompanied with a thirst for knowledge will take you a long way.?