St. John’s University hosts first naturalization ceremony, welcoming 50 new US citizens
St. John’s University recognized 50 new United States citizens from 29 countries during a naturalization ceremony at its Queens campus on April 24, according to a May 6 announcement.
The event marked the first time St. John’s School of Law hosted such a ceremony and was held in honor of the law school’s centennial anniversary. The gathering brought together family and friends of the new citizens, who hailed from nations including Costa Rica, Greece, and Kazakhstan.
Sofia Bakogianni, Ph.D., originally from Greece and now living in New York as a molecular biologist researching breast cancer, described her experience as transformative. “Receiving my Ph.D. was an important milestone,” Dr. Bakogianni said. “Receiving my green card for permanent residency was another important milestone. But this is the greatest day for me and for all of us.” Olga Sheldon, born in Kazakhstan and now working in graphic design after coming to the US as an exchange student at age 17, also reflected on her journey: “I have lived in the US for a while, but I wanted my voice to be heard; I wanted to vote,” Sheldon said. “It is wonderful to live here as a resident, but you do not have the opportunity to select who is representing you.” She added: “I am looking forward to visiting my parents in Kazakhstan, this time with an American passport.”
The Honorable James M. Wicks ’89J.D., US Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York and Adjunct Professor at St. John’s Law School, presided over the ceremony held in Belson Moot Court Room with performances by graduating students Gabrielle N. Evañez and Celine Lawrence.
After remarks by Jelani Jefferon Exum, J.D., Dean of St. John’s Law School and Rose DiMartino and Karen Sue Smith Professor of Law, candidates recited both oaths before receiving their certificates of citizenship amid applause from attendees.
The event was conducted with support from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York—marking its first-ever naturalization ceremony at a law school campus during its 161-year history—and included several judges who are alumni or faculty members.
In his keynote address Judge Joseph F. Bianco urged new Americans to embrace their identities: “As you leave today, be proud that you are an American,” Bianco said. “The pages of your new life are blank, and you can write them as you want.” He continued: “That is an extremely important part of your identity… You are not losing that identity as much as you are adding to it. This is now as much your country as it is our country.”
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers focused on multicultural efforts; it operates campuses in Queens and Manhattan along with international sites; it offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools; operates under Catholic Vincentian tradition dedicated to liberal arts education; holds affiliation with Vincentian Community; Rev. Brian J. Shanley serves as president—all according to the official website.
