He originally started out as a computer software programmer, but realized he would need a degree in order to get anywhere in the field.  But Sejal Patel took a different tack; rather than spend three years in college to study computers, he took an extra year to become a dentist – just like his father, and his wife.

 

Sejal graduated from Marquette University’s dental school, and started a practice in Lisle; he sold that off and considered relocating to Georgia…but the impending birth of his first child scotched those plans.  Instead, he joined a practice in Rochelle, and then last year joined Fred Peltz at his office.

 

Sejal is interested in Rotary because both his business and his Hindu faith are focused on serving others; he plans to get involved as much as possible with all our various projects.

 

While working as a radio journalist in Chicago, an unexpected offer from one of his regular interview sources led Paul Callighan in another directon…as he went to work for the public relations arm of Com Ed.

 

A native of Sterling, Paul studied in broadcast journalism and worked at stations in Plano, Joliet and Chicago; at the latter, he often interviewed a representative from Com Ed – who eventually made him an offer to work out of their Rockford office.  He accepted, and began a 30-plus year career representing the utility company.

 

Paul says his job entailed both informing the public about Com Ed policies, and responding whenever a crisis situation developed.  He learned that the best way to protect the company’s image from an often skeptical media is to be in the lead; provide information to them first, even if it isn’t flattering to the utility. 

 

That philosophy served him well during his years in dealing with reporters, until his retirement; after leaving, he switched to Sycamore following several years years as a member of the Rockford Rotary Club.