100 People To Take Oath Of Citizenship At
Swearing-In Ceremony At Stony Brook University

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: STONY BROOK, N.Y., October 12, 2005

Charles Wang, who left Shanghai in the 1950s as a boy, settled in Queens, and went on to become one of the world's leading software entrepreneurs, has often extolled the virtues of the United States and the unlimited possibilities it presents. A naturalized U.S. citizen, Wang is an executive, philanthropist, developer, and hockey club owner who encourages other Americans to capitalize on the opportunities for advancement in his adopted country.

That makes Wang a perfect choice to give the Keynote Address when more than 100 immigrants, including about 20 Stony Brook University employees and students, take the Oath of Citizenship at a Citizen Celebration and swearing-in ceremony to be held at the Charles B. Wang Center on campus, built with a $50 million gift from his foundation, on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00 AM.

Wang, who founded Computer Associates International in 1976 and built it into a software giant before leaving the company in 2002, now is owner of the New York Islanders. His remarks will come before a diverse audience, many with experiences similar to his own.

"We celebrate our diversity at Stony Brook and we celebrate those who come from across the globe and make the remarkable journey to citizenship," said Stony Brook President Shirley Strum Kenny said. "Charles Wang is an extraordinary example of working in positive and creative ways to achieve the American dream and make a contribution to society."

Many of those taking the oath are husband-and-wife and parents-and-children. The oath will be administered by Rose Chapman, Chief of Naturalization, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Kenny will welcome the new citizens and Congressman Tim Bishop will make remarks.
 
The Stony Brook employees taking the oath range from professors to librarians to research scientists to administrators and students. They were born in countries such as Nigeria, China, Tunisia, Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, India, and France.

The celebration will also include a performance by the Stony Brook Gospel Choir and videotaped congratulations from President Bush.

To Contact Stony Brook University Public & Media Relations
Donna Bannon, (631)632-6310

TO RESERVE A SEAT TO WATCH THE PROCEEDINGS
Sent Out on Campus Announcements:
President Kenny invites the campus community to welcome new citizens as they take the Oath Of Allegiance and honors those members of the Stony Brook community who recently became American citizens. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 - 10:00 a.m. - Charles B. Wang Center Theatre and Lecture Halls. R.S.V.P. by October 21 to (631) 632-6320