It was a day that 25 people and their families will probably remember for the rest of their lives.

For these 25 people last Tuesday marked the day that they received their Canadian Citizenship at Mohawk College. Mohawk is the first college in Ontario and the second college in Canada to partner up with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and getting new Canadians their citizenship.

One of the guests who were invited in to join on this event was MPP of Hamilton Mountain, Sophia Aggelonitis. Aggelonitis family who immigrated here many years ago said she knew how this experience must feel for the 25 people.

“My family immigrated from Greece almost 60 years ago and have absolutely loved living here in Canada. My parents have told me that becoming a Canadian Citizen has become a major highlight of their life. When I was invited to attend this event I was thrilled and very honored, because for these 25 individuals, their lives will be changed forever. This is truly a very special day and Mohawk College should be very proud of themselves for hosting this event,” said MPP Hamilton Mountain, Sophia Aggelonitis.

It was also a memorable day for the judge who presided over this ceremony.

“This is a big moment in the lives of these 25 individuals and their families. It is a big honor for me when I do these events and when I see the smile on their faces when they receive their certificates of Citizenship, I know it means a lot to them as well. Hopefully this will be a life changing experience for them and they can take the opportunities they will now have here in Canada and be able to do what they can to change their lives for the better. I am very proud to be here at Mohawk College today to preside over this event,” said Judge Robert M. Morrow.

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) was established in 2006 by former Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson, and John Ralston Saul. The ICC is a national non-profit organization that institutes projects to foster discussion and understanding of the values associated with Canadian Citizenship and to bridge the gap between new and established citizens. One of the ICC’s main projects is the Community Citizenship Initiative aimed at creating more personable and memorable citizenship ceremonies.

Mohawk College hosts citizenship ceremonies twice a year.