Political Quotes

“when I think about the American dream, I think about my friend Sunil Puri. In 1979, Sunil immigrated to the United States from India when he was just 18 years old. He arrived in Rockford, IL, with little more than hope, tenacity, and $150 in his pocket. Yet, over the span of four decades, he became one of Rockford's leading businessmen and philanthropists. Sunil was defined by his commitment to his city, his country, and his family, and his contributions can be found anywhere you look in Rockford. Sunil left his adopted city far better than he found it, and it is with great sadness that I share the news of his passing. Sunil made the journey from Bombay (Mumbai) to Rockford without the explicit permission from his parents and with the hopes of receiving a liberal arts education at Rockford College, now Rockford University. Through hard work, dedication, and many odd jobs, including cleaning bedpans and laying concrete, Sunil put himself through school. Yet it was the kindness of Illinoisans during his college career that stuck with Sunil: the elderly Swedes who taught him English, the families who hosted him during their holiday celebrations, and his classmates, who took an interest in him and celebrated his culture when he was thousands of miles away from his childhood home. The citizens of Rockford opened their arms to Sunil, and in return, Sunil would spend the next four decades repaying the favor.”