DePaul President Rob Manuel congratulated new citizens at a ceremony at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 7. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)Nearly 2,000 people swore an oath to the United States and became citizens in
a ceremony at Wintrust Arena Wednesday. DePaul President Robert L. Manuel
joined Gov. JB Pritzker in congratulating them.
In his welcome remarks, Manuel recalled attending the naturalization
ceremony for his wife more than a decade ago.
“I remember how special it was for my wife to become a citizen, to become a part of the
U.S., and all of the hopes and dreams that come along with that,” he said. “I hope all of those come true for you in the years to come.”
Wednesday’s ceremony was the largest in the history of the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
“Your stories, as American citizens are just beginning,” Pritzker told the
new citizens who hail from 120 different nations. “And your presence here
today is shaping our future for the better. Together, we will make this
state and this nation stronger by living up to its promise.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Kelly, a DePaul Law alumna and instructor
in the School of Public Service, sang the national anthem.
Nearly 2,000 people swore an oath the United States and became citizens in a ceremony at Wintrust Arena Wednesday. DePaul President Robert L. Manuel joined Gov. JB Pritzker in congratulating them. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)