Navarros’ $1 million gift to Youngstown State isn’t simply about the money

It’s not surprising that Flor “Shorty” and Elba Lillian Navarro want some of the $1 million they’ve given to Youngstown State University to increase the number of student jobs on campus.

Work defines the Boardman couple. Indeed, they are proof of that old saying, “A little hard work never hurt anyone.”

It’s a lesson YSU students would do well to learn as soon as they begin their journey through higher education.

And with the money the Navarros have committed to the urban institution, many more students will have the opportunity to experience what Shorty did at age 14.

His is a true American story – a rags-to-riches tableau that should inspire young people throughout the Mahoning Valley.

Shorty Navarro came to Youngstown when he was in his early teens from Puerto Rico with just the clothes on his back. He was one of 11 children in the family.

When he was 14 he walked into a gas station on Wilson Avenue and asked for a job. That’s where he got his nickname “Shorty.”

Marine Corps

Two years later, with his father as a co-signer, he bought the station from the man who had hired him. He attended East High School, joined the Marine Corps, and when he returned he sold used cars.

In 1982, he entered the new car business with his Lincoln Mercury dealership on Wick Avenue. It was the beginning of highly successful enterprise that at one point boasted 11 franchises.

In 2012, with his reputation as a successful businessman, caring family man and community leader solidified, Navarro sold all but one dealership.

Today, Stadium GM Superstore in Salem with its 65 employees remains a symbol of Shorty’s life story.

Here’s how he summarizes it: “Only in America. In this country you can do anything with your life.”

His wife, Elba Lillian, is also a testament to hard work and perseverance. She was working as hairstylist when she decided she wanted to try teaching.

“I thought I would try it to see if I liked it,” she said. “I loved it.”

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State and taught at the former Roosevelt Elementary School and then Chaney High School.

Both husband and wife have spent their 50 years together working to improve the lives of others. They made possible a new center for the Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana (OCCHA), established a $100,000 scholarship fund to benefit Hispanic students attending YSU, and contributed $100,000 toward construction of Youngstown State’s Veterans Resource Center.

They are recognized as among the leading philanthropists in the Mahoning Valley, and in 2010, the Association of Fundraising Professionals named Shorty the Outstanding Philanthropist in the Mahoning Valley.

The United Veterans Council of Greater Youngstown also named him Veteran of the Year.

The Navarros are members of the YSU President’s Council.

During last week’s announcement of the $1 million gift attended by the couple, President James P. Tressel and his wife, Ellen, and a group of students, the story of Mr. and Mrs. Navarro’s dedication, persistence and hard work took center stage.

“On behalf of everyone at YSU, we thank the Navarros for their continued generosity and support of Youngstown State University and our students,” Tressel said. “Whenever the university is in need, Shorty and Elba are there to help. They are true friends of YSU, and we are fortunate to have their support.”

Commitment

For his part, Shortly Navarro was unequivocal in his commitment to the university.

“YSU is a pillar of the community; as YSU goes, so goes the Mahoning Valley. We are excited about President Tressel’s leadership and the future of the university, and we look forward to even bigger and better things to come.”

Because the $1 million will be used to fund scholarships and increase the number of campus jobs, the recipients would do well to get to know Shorty and Elba Navarro. They can impart life’s lessons that cannot be found in any textbooks.