Honoring A Legacy, Empowering The Future

When Terry Iverson created the Jerry R. Iverson Memorial Manufacturing Scholarship, he did so to honor not just a man—but a legacy of mentorship, entrepreneurship and manufacturing excellence. Named for his late father, the scholarship reflects a nearly 100-year tradition of commitment to the manufacturing industry.

Jerry R. Iverson, along with his two brothers, graduated from Taft High School in Chicago. Over the decades, the three men helped launch and lead several companies, each contributing meaningfully to American manufacturing. “My dad financed countless machine tools to help young entrepreneurs start their own shops,” Terry recalled. “What better way to carry that forward than a scholarship to support the next generation of engineers and makers?”

The fund, now seeded with approximately $25,000 in private donations, is administered through Champion NOW!, the nonprofit Terry founded to change perceptions about manufacturing careers. The scholarship targets graduating seniors from Taft High School who plan to pursue careers in engineering or manufacturing.

But the program isn’t just about honoring the past. It’s also about illuminating the future — starting with its first recipient.

Meet Niko Aleksic

Nikola “Niko” Aleksic is the inaugural winner of the Jerry R. Iverson Memorial Scholarship. A recent Taft graduate, Niko is now studying civil engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago. He hopes to one day lead large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads and skyscrapers — with a particular focus on sustainability and structural integrity.

“I think the scholarship takes me one step closer to my long-term goal,” Niko said. “It’s helping me get the equipment I need and easing the burden of college expenses, which is a huge relief for my family.”

Niko’s journey is a testament to the power of focus, resilience and a passion for building things. As a child, he dismantled and reassembled his toys and once built a backyard structure from fence pickets at the age of seven. His creative spark was fueled further through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Taft, which challenged him academically and helped develop time management and leadership skills.

Beyond the classroom, Niko coached youth soccer and served as a team captain for his club team, learning firsthand how to motivate others, listen actively and lead by example. He also found a sense of cultural identity and grounding through his involvement in Taft’s Serbian Club, participating in events like International Night and connecting with students who shared his heritage.

At home, Niko took on additional responsibilities when both of his parents began working full time after the pandemic. Caring for his younger sibling while balancing school, extracurriculars and college planning shaped him into a highly responsible and mature young adult — traits he already understands will serve him well as an aspiring engineer.

Reframing Manufacturing

Although Niko is pursuing civil engineering, his exposure to Champion NOW! and the scholarship application process broadened his understanding of manufacturing careers. “Before applying, I didn’t know much about manufacturing. There’s a misconception that it’s all factory work and assembly lines,” Niko explained. “But it’s so much more than that — it’s creative, technical and vital to everything we build.”

He credited Champion NOW!’s videos and outreach — especially the Camp Champ events showcasing hands-on machining — with helping shift his perspective. “Seeing other Taft students and even middle schoolers working with machines and building things — it was eye-opening. Manufacturing suddenly felt real, like something people my age could actually get excited about.”

Looking Ahead

The scholarship includes a second-year renewal option for students who remain on a manufacturing or engineering track, reinforcing the program’s commitment to long-term impact. Terry Iverson hopes to grow the fund into a full endowment and may even launch a golf tournament to support future scholarships.

As for Niko, he remains steadfast in his desire to improve public infrastructure, citing his deep interest in materials and structural design. “I want to help make the world safer and more connected,” he said. “That’s what drives me — helping my community and building things that last.”

His advice for younger students is simple but powerful: “Explore your options. Don’t overlook manufacturing or engineering. And take the time to figure out what you’re passionate about. You might be surprised by where it leads.” CTE

—Dennis Spaeth

To watch CTE Publisher Dennis Spaeth interview Terry Iverson and Niko Aleksic, visit: https://vimeo.com/1113678689?fl=pl&fe=sh