Nearly 2,000 people swore an oath to the United States and became citizens in a ceremony at Wintrust Arena Wednesday. DePaul President Robert L. Manuel joined Gov. JB Pritzker in congratulating them.

In his welcome remarks, Manuel recalled attending the naturalization ceremony for his wife more than a decade ago.

“I remember how special it was for my wife to become a citizen, to become a part of the U.S., and all of the hopes and dreams that come along with that,” he said. “I hope all of those come true for you in the years to come.”

Wednesday’s ceremony was the largest in the history of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

“Your stories, as American citizens are just beginning,” Pritzker told the new citizens who hail from 120 different nations. “And your presence here today is shaping our future for the better. Together, we will make this state and this nation stronger by living up to its promise.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Kelly, a DePaul Law alumna and instructor in the School of Public Service, sang the national anthem.