University of Findlay Welcomes New U.S. Citizens
Branden Ferguson Posted On April 25, 2024
Nearly 60 people and their families gathered Thursday, April 18 for a naturalization ceremony at University of Findlay. During the event, 32 countries were represented by individuals who took an oath and received certificates of citizenship.
The Honorable Judge James R Knepp II of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, presided over the ceremony and delivered the oath of citizenship. He stressed the importance of being a U.S. citizen and challenged the new citizens. “I call upon you to rise to the challenge to participate fully, to respect and hold sacred the power, privilege, and responsibility that you all now share fully as American citizens,” he said.
Among the new citizens was Tatiana Draguta of Moldova. Draguta and her husband have been living in the United States for the past six years, working toward receiving their citizenship. “I never thought about citizenship so seriously until we started the process,” she said. “I never stopped to think how much this really means. I’m really excited for this opportunity to live the rest of my life as an American citizen!” Currently living in Perrysburg, Tatiana and her U.S.-born children are all U.S. citizens following Thursday’s ceremony. Her husband will go through a similar naturalization ceremony in the coming weeks, where he too, will become an American citizen.
Students from area high schools participated in the event, playing music during the ceremony and giving speeches to new citizens during the ceremony. Carson Skulina, a senior at Cory-Rawson High School, encouraged the new citizens to take in the moment. “In just over a month, I will walk across the stage at my graduation to receive my diploma. For me, that marks the end of one chapter of my life and the beginning of something completely new. For all of you, that event happens today and will affect your life forever.” Skulina’s message got through to Tatiana, who said, “I feel like have to take my life more seriously. I’m an American now!”
A recording of the ceremony is available on Pulse TV’s YouTube channel.
Post Views: 61
Latest Newsroom
- Three Inducted to Curtain Raisers Wall of FameFor their contributions to University of Findlay’s performing arts community, three individuals have been named to the Curtain Raisers Wall of Fame for 2024 – Denise (Reno) Anders, David Hinds, and Jeffrey Lee. The three new inductees were honored by […] The post Three Inducted to Curtain Raisers Wall of Fame appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay Horse Sale Raises more than $350,000University of Findlay held its 19th annual Spring Horse Sale, welcoming community members to bid on and purchase various types of trained horses. This year, 38 horses were sold, totaling $379,150 in UF western horses, English program horses, and outside-owned […] The post University of Findlay Horse Sale Raises more than $350,000 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay Hosts Health Professions CampUniversity of Findlay will host its upcoming Health Professions Camp July 14 – 17, 2024, a four-day, three-night experience designed specifically for high school students interested in exploring the dynamic world of health care. During this immersive camp, participants will […] The post University of Findlay Hosts Health Professions Camp appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay Professor Receives Outstanding Book AwardUniversity of Findlay’s associate vice president for learning and innovation, Christine Denecker, Ph.D., was awarded the 2024 CCCC Outstanding Book Award in the Edited Collection category by the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC). Denecker co-edited “The Dual Enrollment […] The post University of Findlay Professor Receives Outstanding Book Award appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- New UF Bee Club Buzzing With BeesUniversity of Findlay is now home to approximately 100,000 bees and a new bee club called The Hive. Two UF students, D’alan Seyer and Jillella Weingart, founded the club and donated half of their own personal bee collection to the […] The post New UF Bee Club Buzzing With Bees appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Visiting Educator Stresses the “Unteachables” as a TeacherUniversity of Findlay alumna, Janelle Morris ’07 MAE ’10, was on campus as the College of Education’s visiting educator. Morris spoke with students about teaching as a profession, and about the “unteachable” skills teachers must have. The Visiting Educator Series […] The post UF Visiting Educator Stresses the “Unteachables” as a Teacher appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.