For more than a century, East Tennessee State University has served the people of this region — and, increasingly, communities around the world. That commitment was brought to life as ETSU’s Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement hosted a naturalization ceremony in the D.P. Culp Student Center on Tuesday.

While this wasn’t a first for ETSU, it was the biggest one on campus yet: 119 new citizens from 50 different countries took the oath of allegiance with hundreds of family members, friends and university students and staff in attendance.  

“It is incredibly meaningful for ETSU to play a role in one of the most important days of someone’s life,” said Joy Fulkerson, director of Leadership and Civic Engagement. "Hosting this ceremony reflects our deep commitment to service and to creating spaces where every individual feels seen, valued and welcomed."

University President Dr. Brian Noland gave welcoming remarks, referencing his own grandfather who immigrated from Germany to Ellis Island years ago. A few participants took a moment to tell their own stories, some of whom were ETSU alumni.  

The Honorable Cynthia Richardson Wyrick, United States Magistrate Judge, led the new citizens through the oath and ceremony.  

After taking the oath, each participant was called to the stage and received their certificate of citizenship. Representatives from the offices of Senators Marsha Blackburn and Hagerty and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger handed out congratulatory letters, while the League of Women Voters of Northeast Tennessee and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) provided pocket Constitutions and American flags.  

A man in a suit stands smiling with his arms out. He has a small American flag in one hand, and a brochure and papers in the other

Additionally, the DAR offered refreshments, and the Washington County Election Commission was on hand so the nation’s newest citizens could register to vote.  

"Watching so many new citizens take the oath, each with a unique journey, reminds us why civic engagement matters," Fulkerson added. "It is an honor for our office and for the university to stand alongside them as they begin this new chapter.”

As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU regularly works with partners across the region, state and nation to advance cultural preservation, economic development and more.