Northeast Ohioans become American citizens during naturalization ceremony at John Carroll University

[All photos by Jacob Meyers]

Sandra “Sandy” Pister-Gross of Cleveland woke up on March 3 morning still a Canadian citizen. By afternoon, she was officially an American citizen.

Pister-Gross was among the 37 people naturalized during an impressive ceremony held at John Carroll University’s (JCU) Dolan Science Center in University Heights.

Family members, friends and university officials filled the room, waving American flags and applauding as each new citizen’s name was called. Among the dignitaries present were JCU President Alan Miciak and Global Cleveland President Joe Cimperman.

The ceremony, presided over by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese, marked the final step in a long journey for many in attendance. Candidates for citizenship stood, raised their right hands and took the Oath of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the United States. Afterward, they received certificates of naturalization and posed for photos with loved ones.

Calabrese said participating in naturalization ceremonies is among the most meaningful aspects of his role on the bench.

“This is one of the best parts that I get to do,” Calabrese said. “It is an honor to see one of the best processes.” 

Evelyn Fienegold of Shaker Heights, originally from Brazil, said the moment felt surreal. For her, the process took more than six years.

“I’m very excited and relieved,” Fienegold said. “My husband and daughter are already American citizens, so now I get to share the same nationality as them. It feels like our family is complete.”

Fienegold described the path to citizenship as lengthy and at times stressful, requiring extensive paperwork, interviews and background checks. Still, she said the experience strengthened her appreciation for the opportunity.

Noami Sigg, vice president for Student Experience and Campus Belonging at JCU, said that naturalization ceremonies are typically held in courtrooms, making the JCU campus setting especially meaningful.

“Many people told me it would be eye-opening to witness a naturalization ceremony on a college campus rather than in a courtroom,” Sigg said. “It creates space for our students to see democracy in action and to understand the responsibility that comes with citizenship.”

Sigg added that hosting the ceremony also sparked conversations about civic engagement as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. “As America marks 250 years, this reminds us that the story of our country is still being written,” she said.

Future naturalization ceremonies are planned to be held at John Carroll University, though it’s unclear how many or when.

This article produced in collaboration with The Carroll News.