Geri
Publication Date: 30 June 2025
Update Date: 05 July 2025
A-Z İndex
Student Affairs
Life At Haliç
Haliç University’s 2024-2025 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony was held with great pride and enthusiasm on June 18-19. Throughout the two-day event, students representing the Faculties of Fine Arts, Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Sports Sciences, as well as the Vocational School and Conservatory, shared the joy of their graduation.
During the sessions, Funda Kayacık, a graduate of the Conservatory’s Opera and Concert Singing Department, delivered a concert performance for the new graduates and their families.
The graduation sessions commenced with the opening speech of our University Rector, Prof. Dr. Nihat İnanç. In his address, Prof. Dr. İnanç conveyed his happiness at successfully completing another academic year to the graduating students and their families. He expressed sincere gratitude to the families for their unwavering support and advised the students to embark on life as individuals who balance their rights and responsibilities while remaining steadfast to their core values.
Prof. Dr. İnanç emphasized that universities are institutions not only for professional training but also for cultivating intellectual rigor and character. He underscored the importance of intellectual diversity as an asset but stressed the importance of unity and solidarity on national issues. In reference to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Prof. Dr. İnanç underscored Haliç University’s unequivocal stance against oppression and genocide, stating:
“Remember, obtaining a diploma, securing a job, and gaining opportunities are not everything in life. There are other values that give meaning to life. In this context, our universities also function as centers of intellectual development. Our perspectives and worldviews are shaped during our university years. We embrace diversity of thought as a source of richness. However, when it comes to the interests of our homeland and nation, I want to emphasize the need to set aside all differences and unite in solidarity. Just yesterday, Israel declared that it would face Turkey in the final confrontation; I know that all our people and nation must stand shoulder to shoulder against this terrorist organization. None of the members of this noble nation will bow before a genocidal and tyrannical government. Therefore, despite differing political views and worldviews, we must unite our voices in protest against the Zionist Israeli regime, their oppression, genocide, and what they have committed in Gaza.”
Prof. Dr. İnanç concluded by offering advice to the graduates as they embark on new journeys in life: “In this world, which Prof. Dr. İnanç describes as ‘It came and went’—emphasizing the fleeting nature of life—we expect you to create a life philosophy by doing the right thing at the right time, giving appropriate and sufficient value to everything, increasing your sensitivity towards your environment, and fulfilling your continuous responsibilities to your families who have made great sacrifices for you to reach this point. We are confident that you will meet these expectations.
The first session of the graduation ceremony commenced with the Faculties of Fine Arts and Architecture. Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Prof. Dr. Füsun Seçer Kariptaş, highlighted that the Faculty provides a vital educational environment for young individuals devoted to art and design to discover and develop their creative identities. Addressing the graduates, she reminded them that art is a universal language carrying social awareness and healing power, encouraging them to continue producing with originality and sensitivity in their future endeavors.
“Today is not only a graduation day for you but also a crossroads. The world we live in increasingly needs creative ideas, aesthetic perspectives, sensitivity, and originality. Art is not merely a form of expression but also a social consciousness and a force for healing. You will continue your artistic journey with this awareness, passion, and responsibility.”
During the Conservatory’s graduation ceremony, Director Prof. Dr. Murat Salim Tokaç emphasized the understanding of art and civilization. In his speech, he underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and carrying it forward by blending ancient traditions with contemporary artistic understanding. He stated that students from the Opera, Turkish Music, and Theatre departments gain not only technical skills but also cultural and social sensitivity through their education. Wishing success to the graduates, Prof. Dr. Tokaç expressed his belief that bridges built between tradition and art will inspire the cultural world.
The second session of the graduation ceremony featured the speech of Prof. Dr. Rahmet Savaş, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Prof. Dr. Savaş emphasized that graduation is not only an end but also a special moment that opens the door to new beginnings. He highlighted that university education is a process of building not only professional skills but also character and life. He encouraged students to transform knowledge into a lifelong learning habit. Addressing the importance of solidarity, responsibility, and social awareness, Savaş expressed his expectation that graduates become not only successful professionals but also fair, conscientious, and socially valuable individuals. Concluding his speech, he described the graduates as hopeful individuals for the country’s future and wished them success and good health.
“Graduation may be the ultimate goal and final stop of your university journey, but this end also carries the excitement of new beginnings. In this new phase of your life, you will inevitably face challenges. But remember, strong individuals are most often shaped in difficult times. The path to success is often woven with patience and perseverance; determination is always more valuable than talent.”
Following the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Prof. Dr. Temel Savaşkan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, took the floor. Savaşkan highlighted that engineering education imparts not only professional knowledge but also a sense of responsibility towards society and humanity. Advising graduates to carry out their work with integrity under the guidance of reason and science, he thanked the families for their years of effort and support.
“To succeed in your profession, you must act in accordance with ethical principles guided by reason and science. Moreover, you are obliged to succeed not only for yourselves and your families but also for your country and humanity.”
The final session of the first day of the ceremony began with a speech by Prof. Dr. Ece Salihoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. Salihoğlu emphasized the responsibility and dedication inherent in the medical profession. She noted that being a physician in this region means not only practicing a profession but also setting an example for society and embodying leadership qualities. Advising the graduates to follow in the footsteps of the founders of the Republic and the medical professionals who sacrificed themselves during the National Struggle, she reminded them to carry the responsibility and professional maturity that comes with the Hippocratic Oath at all times.
“From today onwards, our students will begin their medical careers with the awareness of responsibility and dedication required by the profession of medicine, guided by the light of science and the guidance of conscience.”
Following the speech, the graduates of the Faculty of Medicine together took the Hippocratic Oath, marking their first step into professional life. The graduates vocally pledged to adhere to the fundamental ethical values of the medical profession and to prioritize human health above all else.
The ceremony concluded with the graduation of students from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Dean Prof. Dr. İrfan Papila emphasized that the graduates have been trained as specialists who will assume significant responsibilities in the health sector. Highlighting that the educational process included both theoretical and practical skills, Prof. Dr. Papila noted that learning does not end with graduation, and graduates must continue their careers with professional ethics and a human-centered approach. He concluded his remarks as follows:
“While pursuing your career in the health field, do not forget to adhere to professional ethics and values and to adopt a human-centered approach. You are not only professionals but also individuals who bring hope and healing to people.”
The second day of the graduation ceremonies began with the graduation of students from the Faculty of Business Administration and continued with those from the Faculty of Sports Sciences.
In his speech, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Prof. Dr. İrfan Papila, emphasized that business life is not merely about numbers but is shaped by values. He highlighted that our students are no longer just graduates but future leaders who will shape the economy. He advised them not to fear making mistakes in the business world and to always guide themselves with humanity and honesty.
“Remember, success in the business world comes through courage, innovation, ethical values, and continuous learning. Do not fear mistakes, for each one will open new doors. As you advance in the business field, let humanity, honesty, and justice be your guides.”
Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Prof. Dr. Nurettin Konar, stressed that graduates will become experts who raise healthy and conscious individuals not only through theoretical knowledge but also through practical experience and disciplined effort. He noted that graduation symbolizes the culmination of a long dedication and wished the graduates success. He affirmed that the Haliç University family will always support them.
“Sports is not just a physical activity; it is also a culture, a value system, and a field of unity, solidarity, and cooperation. You will not only be teachers, coaches, sports managers, recreation leaders, or exercise specialists but also key contributors to nurturing healthy, active, and aware members of society.”
The session where Vocational School students threw their caps began with a speech by Vocational School Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alireza Souri. Dr. Souri highlighted that the graduating students completed their education with effort, responsibility, and determination, emphasizing that reaching this important milestone successfully is a source of pride. He continued:
“Dear graduates, the effort, responsibility, and determination you have shown throughout this journey deserve all praise. You have successfully completed an important phase of your education. Now, with the knowledge and experience you have gained, it is time to shape your own path.”
The bachelor’s degree university valedictorian, Metin Göktuğ Filiz, a student of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of English Translation and Interpretation; second place, Sezin Düzci from the Conservatory’s Opera Department; and third place, Mahmud Fazıl Arvas from the Conservatory’s Turkish Music Department, were awarded.
At the associate degree level, the top graduate was Aylin Aktan from the Vocational School’s Hair Care and Beauty Department; second place went to Elif Özge Bektaş from the Information Security Technology Department; and third place to Elif Bozkurt from the Culinary Arts Department. Their plaques were presented by Prof. Dr. Nihat İnanç.
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Top Graduates of the Department
Faculty of Business Administration
Top Graduates of the Department
Faculty of Fine Arts
Top Graduates of the Department
Faculty of Architecture
Top Graduates of the Department
Faculty of Engineering
Top Graduates of the Department
Faculty of Sports and Sciences
Top Graduates of the Department
Faculty of Medicine
Top Graduate of the Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Top Graduates of the Department
Conservatory
Top Graduates of the Department
Vocational School
Top Graduates of the Department
The ceremony, marked by students throwing their caps in celebration and filled with moments of pride and joy, concluded with the Haliç University family proudly bidding farewell to its new graduates.
