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| Carlos Alejandro Moreno |
Former Salt Lake Community College student government leader Carlos Alejandro Moreno, and Utah Valley University assistant professor Dr. Andrew Bibby, along with about 20 other immigrants, received their U.S. citizenship on Friday, Oct. 28, that granted them the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen.
Carlos and Andrew both took the Oath of Allegiance as citizens of the United States of America in the morning, followed by a special ceremony honoring them. Held at the Utah State Capitol in the Hall of Governors, the ceremony included Utah dignitaries, state representatives and members of SLCC.
“I don't think we'll ever find two candidates for citizenship who have done more for their state and their nation long before they ever took the Oath of Citizenship and it is a great, great honor to welcome them and stand with them,” says Ken Ivory, Utah State representative, and host of the event.
Carlos first came to the U.S. from Venezuela in December of 2009 to learn English and go to college. He started taking ESL classes at SLCC in 2010, began his general studies in 2011. Carlos graduated with an associate in science degree in Political Science and Government in 2015 and in 2016 received an associate of applied science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. In July of 2016 he was granted political asylum.
“I met Carlos when he enrolled as an international student at the College 11 years ago,” says Hilda Sandi, assistant to the vice president for Institutional Advancement. “I remember vividly when Carlos visited my office many times to share his struggles. Today, as many special guests from SLCC and the community at large, we celebrated Carlos becoming a citizen of the United States of America.”
Hilda, originally from Costa Rica, recalls when she also took the Oath of Citizenship herself 20 years ago and the meaning it has for her witnessing Carlos taking this step. “It is not every day that the world around you stops to celebrate a Salt Lake Community College Alumnus and former Student Body President,” she said.
Carlos and Andrew both took the Oath of Allegiance as citizens of the United States of America in the morning, followed by a special ceremony honoring them. Held at the Utah State Capitol in the Hall of Governors, the ceremony included Utah dignitaries, state representatives and members of SLCC.
“I don't think we'll ever find two candidates for citizenship who have done more for their state and their nation long before they ever took the Oath of Citizenship and it is a great, great honor to welcome them and stand with them,” says Ken Ivory, Utah State representative, and host of the event.
Carlos first came to the U.S. from Venezuela in December of 2009 to learn English and go to college. He started taking ESL classes at SLCC in 2010, began his general studies in 2011. Carlos graduated with an associate in science degree in Political Science and Government in 2015 and in 2016 received an associate of applied science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. In July of 2016 he was granted political asylum.
“I met Carlos when he enrolled as an international student at the College 11 years ago,” says Hilda Sandi, assistant to the vice president for Institutional Advancement. “I remember vividly when Carlos visited my office many times to share his struggles. Today, as many special guests from SLCC and the community at large, we celebrated Carlos becoming a citizen of the United States of America.”
Hilda, originally from Costa Rica, recalls when she also took the Oath of Citizenship herself 20 years ago and the meaning it has for her witnessing Carlos taking this step. “It is not every day that the world around you stops to celebrate a Salt Lake Community College Alumnus and former Student Body President,” she said.
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| Hilda Sandi stands next to Carlos and other members of SLCC |
While at SLCC Carlos was elected to be Student Association (SLCCSA) president and served two terms from 2014-16. Those he served with said he was a successful leader and highly involved, connecting students to the community and extending the reach of the college on campus and out in the community. Though learning English while going to college was difficult for Carlos, he credits SLCC and many people here for his success.
“Salt Lake Community College for me represents home,” says Carlos. “All the help and support I got from faculty, administration, fellow students and friends. I got a lot of support from the people at SLCC. I have a really deep gratitude and appreciation to the people at SLCC, because in my darkest moments, I had their help.”
At the end of the ceremony Carlos and Andrew led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a table was set up where they were both able to register to exercise, as newest citizens, their right to vote.
“My message to people is to not give up hope and to be patient,” says Carlos. “Because America is built with people who care, even for immigrants who don't have any hope. I cannot tell you how many people helped me in so many ways.”
“Salt Lake Community College for me represents home,” says Carlos. “All the help and support I got from faculty, administration, fellow students and friends. I got a lot of support from the people at SLCC. I have a really deep gratitude and appreciation to the people at SLCC, because in my darkest moments, I had their help.”
At the end of the ceremony Carlos and Andrew led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a table was set up where they were both able to register to exercise, as newest citizens, their right to vote.
“My message to people is to not give up hope and to be patient,” says Carlos. “Because America is built with people who care, even for immigrants who don't have any hope. I cannot tell you how many people helped me in so many ways.”
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| Carlos and Andrew leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance |
Great leader! I can't wait to see him running for office again! 😍
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