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Sunny Reddy ties immigrant journey to Wayne State Hall honor
Addressing university leadership, faculty, family and fellow honorees, he framed the recognition as part of a longer journey rather than a single achievement
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 03, May 2026
- 04:48 EDT
- 53
Indian American education advocate and Michigan GOP co-chair Sunny Reddy / Courtesy photo
Indian American education advocate and Michigan GOP co-chair Sunny Reddy was honored as a new Hall of Fame member at Wayne State University’s James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering on April 27, where he reflected on his journey, personal losses, and commitment to giving back during an acceptance speech at the university’s Student Center.
Reddy, a member of the Wayne State University Board of Governors, entrepreneur and philanthropist, was among 10 alumni recognized at the college’s ‘Night of the Stars’ event. Elected to the board in 2024, he has advocated for accessible and affordable education while supporting student success initiatives and alumni engagement.
ALSO READ: Sunny Reddy on Trump, H-1B reforms
Addressing university leadership, faculty, family and fellow honorees, Reddy began by expressing gratitude. “Most people graduate from Wayne State, but I built my life here,” he said. “Tonight, I stand here with a great, a deep gratitude and full pride.”
He framed the recognition as part of a longer journey rather than a single achievement. “Recognition is not just about achievement. It’s about a journey. The journey began right here at Wayne State University,” he said.
Reddy recalled arriving in Detroit as a student with limited resources. “I arrived with a very little. A suitcase, a dream, and hopes of my parents,” he said, describing the challenges of adapting to a new country and system. He added a personal anecdote about his early days. “I forgot to bring my winter clothing. That first winter was not easy, but it taught me something important.”
He emphasized resilience as a defining lesson. “Life will not always be comfortable, but growth comes when you push through discomfort. Success is not about comfort, it’s about resilience,” he said.
Reddy also spoke about his parents’ influence. “My mother believed in me. She had a dream that I would come to America and build something meaningful,” he said, noting she did not live to see the moment. He described his father’s support as steady and lasting. “Even when things were uncertain, he believed.”
He credited the university for shaping his path. “It gave me more than an education. It gave me an opportunity. It gave me confidence. It gave me a foundation to build my life,” he said, linking his early struggles to later professional and personal milestones.
Reddy acknowledged his mentor, Dr. Ralph Kummler, former WSU engineering dean. “He didn’t just teach engineering, he taught belief,” he said.
ALSO READ: Sunny Reddy joins WSU Board of Governors
He also spoke about his family, noting that his daughter was traveling to Ukraine for work with the United Nations. “As a father, I could not be more proud, because success is not just about what we achieve. It’s about the impact we create,” he said.
He thanked his wife, Dr. Sirisha, for her support. “Through every stage of the journey, she stood by me,” he said. “This moment is as much as yours, as it is mine.”
Closing his remarks, Reddy described the honor as carrying responsibility. “This award is not just a recognition. It’s a responsibility. A responsibility to give back, to mentor, to create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
“If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it is this,” he added. “Dreams do not come true by chance. They come true because someone believes in you.”
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