LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University will welcome about 150 immigrants from more than 50 countries for a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony at noon Friday, March 11.
During the ceremony in Haggin Auditorium, they will take the Oath of Allegiance, completing their path to American citizenship. The public is welcome to attend.
“We are proud and honored to host this event, as it aligns specifically with our Project One initiative,” said Serenity Wright, associate dean of diversity and international student experiences. “We support and encourage these new citizens for what they will add to the beautiful fabric of diversity that is the United States, and we embrace them as they take this step.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell will preside over the ceremony. She is a 1977 Transylvania graduate and a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.
The ceremony will include a Call of Countries, a patriotic music melody by Transylvania organist Richard Dwyer and a rendition of “America the Beautiful” by a university a cappella group, Grace Notes.
Speakers will include Transylvania senior Vivian Tsai, who is a naturalized citizen from Taiwan, and university President Seamus Carey.
“Transylvania’s mission is to create global citizens through a liberal arts education and to empower our students with perseverance, integrity and opportunities for diversity and community outreach,” Wright said. “This ceremony represents our core mission, values and institutional initiatives.”
Haggin Auditorium is in the Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Free, nearby parking is available, and shuttle service to the auditorium will be provided from lots next to and directly across from Transylvania’s Athletics Complex on West Fourth Street and near the intersection with Jefferson Street.