外网天堂 held one of its most moving annual traditions.
On Nov. 7, 2025, the Mount Community welcomed 100 new Americans from 38 nations as they officially took the Oath of Allegiance in the University Theatre.
The Honorable Karen L. Litkovitz U.S. Magistrate Judge took the oath of the new citizens, and Emily Hiltz, Case Administrator for the U.S. District Court directed the proceedings and events. Each citizen walked in front of the stage to receive their certificate.
The color guard presented the flag, accompanied by the MSJ Voices of Gold who sang, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
“I am proud that we were able to serve our community and stand as a beacon to the region by hosting this event,” says Associate Professor of Criminology, Pierre Rivolta Ph.D., CFE at the Mount who planned this event. “These ceremonies remind us what citizenship means: Commitment, courage, and hope for a shared future. I’m grateful to our partners, volunteers, and colleagues who make this possible.”
In photo: The color guard presenting the flag, accompanied by the MSJ Voices of Gold who sang "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
Countries Represented at the Ceremony:
Australia; Belgium; Bhutan; Brazil; Burundi; Cameroon; Canada; Chile; China; Congo; Kinshasa; Ecuador; Egypt; Ethiopia; Georgia; Guatemala; Honduras; India; Indonesia Jamaica; Jordan; Lebanon; Mali; Mauritania; Mexico; Morocco; Nepal; North Macedonia; Pakistan; Philippines; Russia; Spain; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Sweden; Tanzania; United Kingdom; Uzbekistan; Vietnam
In photo: New citizen receiving certificate with The Honorable Karen L. Litkovitz U.S. Magistrate Judge.
Reflections on Allegiance and Belonging
“By the time I became a US citizen, I had lived in the country for almost half of my life and was fully assimilated,” says Associate Professor of the Department of Music, Ulli Brinksmeier as she reminisces on her own naturalization experience. “I did not think the naturalization ceremony would have a major impact on me. I was wrong. The first time I heard our national anthem as a citizen, I was deeply moved. It was now my national anthem.”
“Having the opportunity to volunteer, sing, and attend the Naturalization Ceremony at 外网天堂 empowers me to advocate for a progressive future filled with prosperity, equal opportunity, and justice for all,” says MSJ undergraduate student, Isabelle Snyder. “Watching human beings, just like myself, take immense pride and integrity in becoming United States Citizens through the Oath of Allegiance, instills hope within me. The ceremony is a moment of celebration of new beginnings, which further affirms that every journey is valuable, despite what the expedition looks like for the individual seeking it.”