TWENTY-ONE NATURALIZED DURING CEREMONY AT IUP

As part of International Education Week at IUP, 21 immigrants from 16 countries were naturalized this morning at Toretti Auditorium as part of a naturalization ceremony.

During the ceremony, all of the new citizens received their certificates on stage as well as a flag from IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll, who also gave remarks. One of the citizens recognized was Dr. Rajenda “Raj” Khanal, who came to the U.S. from Nepal in 2006 with a masters degree in physics, but earned a second physics from the University of Akron. Later, he earned a doctoral degree from Toledo University.

Khanal said while it was a difficult decision to leave Nepal, he is proud that he made the decision to come to the U.S.

Khanal also shared some advice for immigrants who might consider coming to the U.S.

Currently, Khanal is a faculty member at the University of Pitt-Johnstown and has two kids, one of which is studying at Pitt, and he thanked them for being a key part in his journey.

A photo from the ceremony featuring Dr. Khenal can be found below, along with a list of countries that were represented at the naturalization ceremony.