From the Nominator

In partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) got the opportunity to plan and host a public naturalization ceremony in September 2023 for nearly 600 candidates from 85 countries. For two months (a tight timeline), VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications teams partnered with Government Relations, Daughters of the American Revolution, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the United States Marshals, the United States Attorney's Office, and numerous other community partners to create and execute a record-setting naturalization ceremony. The United States routinely hosts naturalization ceremonies for several dozen candidates at a time; however the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations placed on the judicial branch created a nationwide backlog of candidates for citizenship. Last fall, states such as Illinois, Oregon, and California addressed their backlogs in venues such as Wrigley Field, convention centers, and Dodgers Stadium. In Virginia, the Stuart C. Siegel Center at VCU served as the backdrop. VCU had the distinct opportunity to meet the needs of central Virginia by addressing this backlog. While VCU had previously hosted numerous, large-scale public events, such as commencement ceremonies, a naturalization ceremony involves unique and sensitive court and legal components to consider. Spearheaded by Enterprise Marketing and Communications, the entire university and local community came together to provide services, volunteers, and awareness for this event without a pre-existing budget or event model.

From the Judges

A unique event that benefits and engages the community and is done in a very affordable way. A great use of a college campus and its resources to celebrate the importance of opportunity for all through education. Additionally, a fine demonstration of partnerships and service-learning.