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Constitution Day: University of Dayton hosts Court for Naturalization Ceremony – September 18, 2025

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio presided over a naturalization ceremony on Sept. 18, 2025, where 20 people from 14 countries became United States citizens.

United States District Court Judge Michael J. Newman presided over the ceremony while Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth A.  Ellis, and retired Ohio Second District Court of Appeals Judge Mary E. Donovan also attended and spoke. 

The ceremony took place at The University of Dayton's Law School and was done so in celebration of Constitution Day. Judge Newman said that the Court and UD have a strong history of working together to serve the residents of the district.

"This is the fifth time in five years we've celebrated Constitution Day here at the UD Law School, which is rather remarkable," Judge Newman said, adding that the Constitution is not an abstract document but serves a meaningful purpose in American’s everyday life.

"We are honored to host this Naturalization Ceremony at the University of Dayton School of Law and be a part of this special day in the lives of these new citizens," University of Dayton School of Law Interim Dean Christopher Roederer said. "For our students, this was a wonderful opportunity to witness the Constitution in action and see how the laws they learn about and discuss in classes have a real-world impact on people."

During the ceremony, the three judges welcomed the new citizens and reflected on the importance of the Constitution.

"It's so poignant to be here on Constitution Day, celebrating with you," Judge Ellis said. "People who are benefiting from the Constitution."  

"Here in this land, you will have great opportunities," Judge Donovan said. "We always talk about rights, and you will have some extraordinary rights as U.S. Citizens. I thank you for choosing America."

The Judges and Court staff greeted and took pictures with each new American after they took the Oath of Allegiance and said the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The Immigration Law School Association at the University hosted a celebration afterwards.