Centre College hosts naturalization ceremony, welcoming 74 new U.S. citizens

Seventy-four individuals from across the globe took the Oath of Allegiance on March 4, officially becoming citizens of the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony presided over by U.S. District Judge Van Tatenhove at Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts.

“For more than 200 years, Centre has played an integral role in transforming the lives of our students, opening doors to the bright futures which lie ahead of them,” said Centre President Milton C. Moreland. “Today, we had the profound honor of being part of a similar, meaningful moment for new American citizens, hosting them in a joyous occasion as they embark on a new path filled with opportunity.”

Naturalization marks the final step in the immigration process, granting individuals full rights and responsibilities as American citizens. 

“A naturalization ceremony offers an invaluable opportunity to underscore that, at a fundamental level, democracy in the United States is an action taken up every day by ordinary people,” said Claude D. Pottinger Associate Professor of History Sara Egge. “Making new citizens activates the promise established by the U.S. Constitution that it’s the people who are the beating heart behind the work of forming a ‘more perfect Union.’

“The ceremonial part of naturalization serves as a powerful reminder for the rest of us that we are responsible for bringing these former immigrants into community with us,” she added. “All citizens are connected by the rights and duties we share.”

The ceremony, which marks a pivotal moment in the lives of these citizens, also provided Centre students a unique educational opportunity to witness and engage with the naturalization process. Along with attending the ceremony, Centre students participated in a conversation with Judge Van Tatenhove before the ceremony, gaining insights into the civic significance of naturalization.

“Witnessing a naturalization ceremony is a powerful educational experience for Centre students, because it brings into focus the early days of the United States during which the framers articulated their vision for the country,” Egge said. “They created a relatively easy and straightforward naturalization process, because they wanted to extend citizenship to anyone willing to join them in securing the ‘Blessings of Liberty.’”

Hosting the ceremony at Centre also underscored the College’s commitment to fostering civic engagement and understanding. Through this firsthand experience, students gained personal insight into the foundational principles of citizenship and democracy.

“This was a valuable opportunity for Centre students to get a front-row seat to a process that is integral to our nation,” Moreland said. “The ceremony represented a monumental day in the lives of those completing their citizenship journey — and, I believe it will be a meaningful touchstone for these Centre students who will go on to be the nation’s future judges, advocates and leaders.”