STONY BROOK, N.Y., October 23, 2006—Olufemi Vaughan, an Associate Provost at Stony Brook University who became an American citizen last year, will be the Keynote Speaker when more than 100 immigrants—including several Stony Brook employees—take the oath of U.S. citizenship at a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 AM at the Charles B. Wang center on campus.
Vaughan, who is also a Professor of Africana Studies and History at Stony Brook, was born in Nigeria and lived in the U.S. for 28 years before becoming a citizen at this same ceremony last year.
“As an outsider, with strong roots in my native country, you know things about the country you are living in, but you are often cautious about expressing your own views,” Dr. Vaughan said. “As a citizen, I am more confident to express my thoughts about American history, politics, and society, as well as its remarkable achievements and limitations. American citizenship—with its obligations, responsibilities, and rights—is truly a privilege.”
Many of those taking the oath are husband-and-wife and parents-and-children. The oath will be administered by Ms. L.T. Pritchett, Officer in Charge, Garden City Office, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for the Department of Homeland Security. Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny will welcome the new citizens and Congressman Tim Bishop will make remarks.
The Stony Brook employees taking the oath range from professors to librarians to research scientists to administrators and students. They were born in countries such as Nigeria, China, Tunisia, Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, India, and France.
“We celebrate our diversity at Stony Brook and we celebrate those who come from across the globe and make the remarkable journey to citizenship,” President Kenny said.
The celebration will also include a performance by the Stony Brook Gospel Choir and videotaped congratulations from President Bush.
