Syracuse Sun

On Election Day, Tomás Olivier, an assistant professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, completed his final steps to become a naturalized U.S. citizen at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Syracuse. Born in Argentina, Olivier came to the United States in 2012 for graduate studies at the University of Arizona and began his citizenship application process in 2020.

Olivier's naturalization ceremony took place at the Maxwell School, marking a historic first for the institution as it hosted such an event. He expressed his surprise and appreciation for having his ceremony at a school dedicated to citizenship.

The event was coordinated by Gladys McCormick, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Maxwell. A native of Costa Rica who became a U.S. citizen two decades ago, McCormick emphasized the significance of hosting the ceremony during Maxwell's centennial year.

The ceremony welcomed 41 new citizens from 26 countries. Among those attending were Olivier's family and several students from Maxwell. Presiding Judge Patrick Radel highlighted Maxwell's legacy in citizenship education while Christina Cleason sang patriotic songs.

Guest speaker Baobao Zhang acknowledged the journey undertaken by new citizens like herself, emphasizing their shared experiences with many members of the Maxwell community.

Dean David M. Van Slyke congratulated the new citizens and spoke about the importance of citizenship as both a legal status and a commitment to community involvement.

"Citizenship is more than a concept; it is a very real, legal status that confers privileges and responsibilities," Van Slyke said. "It is a license to be a full and participating member of the community in which you live and of our great nation."