Senior dental hygiene student Faith Thiongo says her fellow classmates and faculty have offered her tremendous support during her educational journey far from home.

Thiongo is from Kenya, where her entire family lives. On September 30, she was sworn in as a citizen of the United States, with her UofL family by her side.

“Becoming a U.S. citizen means having a great opportunity to stay, study and work in this land of opportunities where no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid,” Thiongo said.

UofL dental hygiene assistant professor Donna Aden, RDH, MEd, said most all of her dental hygiene class wanted to be a part of helping Faith celebrate this accomplishment.

“I was able to arrange for a few of us attend the citizenship ceremony; the rest of the class planned a surprise luncheon to celebrate with Faith and show their support,” Aden said. “It is wonderful to be part of an institution that embraces diversity and supports students in such important life events.”

“The UofL School of Dentistry is like a family and I will forever be grateful for their endless support, encouragement and love,” Thiongo said.

October 15, 2015