Alumna Sulian Larmond officially becomes an American citizen

Feb. 22 was a historic day for HFC International Admissions Associate Sulian Larmond. On this day, she became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

“I wanted to become a U.S. citizen because of everything this country has offered me: great opportunities and a start at a new life. I moved here in late 2012,” said Larmond, of Wayne. “I’ve planted roots in America. I recently bought a house here. The natural thing for me to do was take this next step.”

Born in Jamaica, Larmond is the fourth of six children. She immigrated to the Metro Detroit area after graduating from Campion College – a prominent college-prep high school in Kingston, Jamaica. Both of her older sisters, Simone and Tashana, attended HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) and encouraged her to the same.

“My two sisters got a good education at the College,” recalled Larmond. “They told me that I naturally had to start at HFC.”

HFC’s diverse population and welcoming environment inspired her

At first, Larmond didn’t plan on earning a degree at HFC.

“I figured I’d take a few classes and transfer, but the welcoming environment and the diverse student body inspired me to stay,” she said. “I also had great instructors at HFC. They want you to succeed.”

Larmond earned two associate degrees at HFC back-to-back in 2014 and 2015. One is in paralegal studies and the other is in liberal arts. She also completed coursework in general business at HFC. Transferring to Eastern Michigan University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies with the intention of becoming an immigration attorney. Currently, Larmond is completing her master’s degree in education at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS with a projected graduation date of 2023.

When asked if she plans on earning a Ph.D., Larmond laughed.

“I don’t know if I want to, but I keep finding myself going back to school,” she said. “Who knows? It might be in the future.”

Many positions at HFC

Larmond has worked for the College since 2015. When she was a student, she worked at The College Store, then she was a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions. Larmond was hired in as an Enrollment Associate II, working in the Call Center. She then became an Enrollment Associate III, working in the Welcome Center lab.

Since 2020, Larmond has worked in her current position at HFC in the International Admissions Office in the Welcome Center on the main campus. She reports to HFC Interim Registrar Karen Sadanowicz.

“I get to touch on the legal side of international studies,” she said. “I am still working in immigration but not as an attorney or a paralegal. I’m helping students, which is very rewarding.”

Larmond works with international students attending HFC on an F1 student visa, international students planning to attend HFC on a student visa, and international students who are in the U.S. attending another college or university and planning to transfer to HFC. Larmond prepares and issues immigration documents for students to file visa applications with embassies and consulates. She advises international F1 students regarding U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services rules and regulations. She also serves as a Designated School Official to students with an F1 visa status.

“I monitor their status to make sure they’re meeting the visa requirements while they study, so they don’t have to worry about it,” said Larmond. “I work with them through the entire process.”

Knowing what international students experience

Having been in their position, Larmond knows the plight of international students all too well.

“I remember the challenges I faced when I was a student here on an F1 visa – coming into a new country, a new culture, new weather – and as a student in general. Just being able to help students through change is the best part of my job. They have questions about buying the right winter coats and winter boots, how to navigate the bus system. Helping them on their journey is the most fulfilling part of the job – that’s why I’m here,” she said.

Sadanowicz and HFC Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Holly Diamond have high praise for Larmond.

“We were so excited to hear that Sulian will officially be sworn in as a U.S. citizen. She has worked in Enrollment Services for quite a while both while she was a student at HFC and after her graduation,” said Sadanowicz. “Sulian is professional, kind, and a very good listener, which are qualities that she uses when working with students, faculty, and staff. She works with HFC’s international students from pre-admission through post-graduation, making sure that all of the policies and procedures are followed, so that the students are successful at HFC. She is able to relate to the international students because she experienced the process when she was an international student herself at HFC. She is an asset to the International Student Services Office and the College.”

Added Diamond: “I have truly loved watching Sulian grow from her days as a student here at the College and now seeing her advance in her career. Our students are lucky to have her working with them!”

You may congratulate Sulian on her citizenship be sending a note to WC-210 in the Welcome Center or by emailing her at sslarmond@hfcc.edu.