Tiffin University proudly served as the host for a Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, December 13, where 85 individuals were sworn in as United States citizens. Held in Tiffin University’s Marion Center and organized by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the event celebrated the culmination of these individuals’ journeys to citizenship.
The ceremony opened with a rendition of God Bless America performed by the Calvert High School Band, followed by the Opening of Court conducted by Michael Pavelich, President of Tiffin University’s Student Government.
Tiffin University’s President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher, provided a warm welcome, reflecting on her own family’s journey to U.S. citizenship. “It is our honor to host this event on your behalf. This is the second naturalization ceremony that we’ve held at the institution because we truly honor and believe in this for you,” she began. “I will tell you firsthand that this event is very special to me. My parents became citizens of the United States back in the ’60s—a long time ago. But they, to this day, talk about how important that process and that ceremony was and continues to be for them. So, it’s personally touching to me to be able to experience this with all of you today.” Dr. Schumacher also emphasized the significance of the day for the new citizens and their unique paths to this achievement. “You each have such a special story,” she said. “Celebrate that with each other and realize that you have earned this right to be a citizen of the United States of America.”
The keynote address was presented by Nadia Lewis, Vice President for Human Resources and the Center for InterculTUral Excellence, sharing her personal story of immigrating from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and becoming a U.S. citizen in 2022. Reflecting on the sacrifices her mother made to build a life in America, she said, “From an early age, [my mother] showed me what it is and what it means to be an American: to serve a place that has given so much, which sometimes means making sacrifices for a greater good. Our diversity is not just one aspect of who we are as a nation, it is the core of our identity. As brand-new Americans, you will now play a part in shaping our country for the better.”
Tiffin University students also played a key role, with Jake Curtis reciting a heartfelt poem and leading the National Anthem, while Hope Love delivered the Pledge of Allegiance.
Magistrate Judge Darrell A. Clay administered the Oath of Citizenship and delivered remarks, urging the new citizens to embrace their roles in their communities. Officer Anthony Haritonovich of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) presented the certificates of citizenship. The event concluded with the closing of the court by Pavelich and a performance of America the Beautiful by the Calvert High School Band.
Special Guests in attendance included:
- David Grimm (Office of U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan)
- Barbara Orange (Office of U.S. Congressman Robert E. Latta)
- League of Women Voters (Bowling Green and Toledo/Lucas County)
- Daughters of the American Revolution (Fort Industry Chapter)
- Sons of the American Revolution (John Hancock Chapter)
- Representatives from Toledo Lucas County Public Library
- Representatives from The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium