University of Findlay Welcomes New U.S. Citizens
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: 71
Latest Newsroom
- Creator of PBS children’s show ‘Arthur’ to speak at UF May 10The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum invites area residents on Saturday, May 10 to an evening of storytelling, art, and fun with Emmy Award-winning illustrator and author Marc Brown. The creator of the beloved “Arthur” books and PBS children’s series […] The post Creator of PBS children’s show ‘Arthur’ to speak at UF May 10 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr. to speak May 2 at ‘Fridays at Findlay’The fast lane of professional auto racing will take the driver’s seat for the May 2 “Fridays at Findlay” presentation at the University of Findlay. Sam Hornish Jr., Indy 500 winner and NASCAR driver, will speak on “Life Lessons from […] The post Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr. to speak May 2 at ‘Fridays at Findlay’ appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Generous UF alumni and friends set new records on Day of Giving 2025University of Findlay alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, and the local community came together on Day of Giving 2025 to support “the full Findlay experience” for a new generation of Oilers – and they also set several new records in […] The post Generous UF alumni and friends set new records on Day of Giving 2025 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Mazza Museum Enhanced for Color BlindKiwanis Club Enhances Mazza Museum Experience for Color Blind Visitors The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum has expanded its accessibility accommodations with EnChroma glasses for color blind individuals, thanks to a generous gift from the Kiwanis Club of Findlay. The […] The post Mazza Museum Enhanced for Color Blind appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- 20th Annual Spring Horse Sale at the University of FindlayThe University of Findlay’s equine marketing class will present the 20th Annual Spring Horse Sale on Saturday, April 26th at the Western Farm’s Dale Wilkinson Arena located at 14700 Ohio 68, south of Findlay. Riding demonstrations are set to begin […] The post 20th Annual Spring Horse Sale at the University of Findlay appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- ‘Farmyard Fables’ at Mazza Museum for Funday Sunday on April 6Down-on-the-farm family fun will be featured April 6 during the “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. The event, which is free and open to the public, features the theme of “Farmyard Fables.” “I’m very excited for our […] The post ‘Farmyard Fables’ at Mazza Museum for Funday Sunday on April 6 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
