Manuel Perez ’68 Scholarship Fuels Students’ Dreams

Manuel “Manny” Perez ’68 M.S. ’70

Manuel Perez was born in Cuba and left his homeland after the island’s communist revolution. He arrived in the U.S. alone at the age of 13. He was later accepted at Stevens Institute of Technology and graduated with a B.S. in mathematics in 1968 and an M.S. in mathematics in 1970.

“Manny came to this country as part of the Peter Pan initiative that moved some 14,000 children from Cuba to the U.S. His mother came soon after, and they moved from Florida to New Jersey. It was very difficult for his mother, who was a piano teacher, to provide for them. Manny went to high school at night so he could work to help support the family. Kudos to Stevens for what they did for Manny. He had talent but no money. Stevens accepted him, supported him and gave him an opportunity. This scholarship honors Manny’s legacy and gives back to Stevens by opening the door to higher education for future students.” 
— Maria Perez, Member, Stevens Legacy Society

With the support of family and friends, Maria Perez endowed the Manuel Perez ’68 Memorial Scholarship in 2022. The scholarship pays tribute to Manny’s memory as it assists Stevens students who are furthering their studies in mathematics and computer science. This year Maria has planned an estate gift to further endow the scholarship. To learn more about Maria’s tribute to Manny and how the scholarship is transforming a uniquely American life story into a Stevens legacy, please visit: stevens.edu/Perez-Legacy