Students with great potential, a desire to go to college–yet, no money–often turned to the late Silas Purnell for help.
Working for the Ada S. McKinnley Cummunity Center located in the Chicago Housing Authority's Dearborn Homes on the South Side, Purnell was responsible for helping more than 60,000 disadvantaged city high school students to attend some 200 colleges nationwide. Purnell's earnest efforts spanned more than three decades, starting in 1967 until his retirement from the social service agency in 2000.
For his work, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will pay tribute to Purnell, who died in November 2003, during the 79th Annual Bud Billiken Day Parade. The parade steps off at 10 a.m., Saturday and rolls down King Drive, through Washington Park.
“Illinois lost a giant five years ago. Silas Purnell's legacy is a better life for the thousands of Chicago high school students who attended college due to Purnell's unrelenting encouragement and tenacious fundraising,” said ISAC Executive Director, Andrew Davis, in a written statement.
Purnell, a onetime Tuskegee Airman, attended Wendell Phillips high school and is a Roosevelt University alum.
Purnell recognized that in addition to tuition assistance, students often needed money for books, room and board, and other college expenses. Churches, businesses and public officials were often tapped by Purnell to help students out.
As the state's central provider of college aid, ISAC recognized Purnell's commitment to helping college-bound students.
The Silas Punell Illinois Incentive for Access Grant offers college freshman $500 to help with college expenses. The onetime grant is paid out in two semester installments of $250 each.
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