75 new U.S. citizens will take the oath of allegiance, alongside their families, K-12 students, and the RMC community.

An estimated 75 individuals will take the Oath of Allegiance and become American citizens at 12 p.m. on Monday, April 15, at the Crenshaw Gymnasium at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.  

U.S. District Judge David J. Novak of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia will preside over the ceremony as the new citizens will be administered their oath of citizenship as part of a ceremony.

Commonwealth of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares will deliver a keynote address.

The important ceremony will be witnessed by the new citizens’ families and is open to the public. Additionally, RMC students, faculty, and staff and more than 300 students and staff from the eighth grade of nearby Liberty Middle School will join the celebration, learning about the naturalization process and witnessing its culmination.

“For the new citizens we will be welcoming, this is sure to be a memory that will last a lifetime. We are so pleased to be a part of that,” Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren said. “Given what we do on campus every day, we’re thrilled that the ceremony will also be an educational experience in itself! There’s no better way for our faculty and students, as well as our friends and neighbors at the Liberty Middle School, to learn about the fulfillment of the American Dream – up close, with the very people who are living it.”

The naturalization ceremony is the culmination of the naturalization process, by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Two RMC students will perform solos as part of the ceremony. Additionally, two employees of the college anticipate being among the naturalized citizens.

Logistics and Details

Arrival and Security

The naturalization ceremony is open to the public, but all attendees must be screened for prohibited items prior to entering the venue at 103 E. Patrick Street. Enter through the Alumni Gym doors, across from the Brock Center. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for guests of the event. It is recommended that all attendees arrive before 11 a.m. and no later than 11:30 a.m. to be screened and seated for the ceremony.

Adults should have photo identification (driver’s license/ID card) to enter. Prohibited items include:

• no weapons or potential weapons, including knives, pepper spray or sharp tools
• no flammable/combustible materials
• no bags; small purses are permitted
• no food or drinks
• no hats, except for religious purposes
• no cameras; cell phone are permitted

News media are invited to cover the event. Please note: During the official proceedings, photography and video recording will not be allowed, but photo and video opportunities will be available before and after the ceremony.

Parking

Program participants have reserved parking in the North Brock Lot at 400 N. Center Street (J on the campus map). All other participants should plan to park in the Old Tennis Court Parking Lot – 100 W. Patrick Street (M on the map).