Graduation joy at Izmir Economy University for ‘5 days’

At Izmir University of Economics (IEU), 1,500 students who successfully completed their education and earned their diplomas were bid farewell to start their new lives after a 5-day graduation ceremony. The young graduates, wearing their gowns and throwing their caps into the air with great enthusiasm, experienced their happiness to the fullest. Izmir Economics graduates who finally reached the moment they have been dreaming of and eagerly waiting for, expressed their joy by hugging their families, academics, and friends, and took plenty of photos. The Izmir University of Economics 2023-2024 Academic Year Graduation Ceremonies were held in the amphitheater on campus. This year’s graduation ceremonies were divided into 5 days, each organized separately for each faculty and school. This allowed the graduates to stay longer on stage and receive great applause from the guests. The ceremonies were attended by IEU Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Chairman of Izmir Chamber of Commerce Meclis Selami Özpoyraz, Vice Chairmen of the Board Mehmet Tahir Özdemir and Nevzat Artkıy, Former Rector of IEU Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Levent Eren, Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner, and Prof. Dr. Gözde Yazgı Tütüncü, members of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Education and Health Foundation and the university’s board of trustees, academics, and families. IEU Board of Trustees Chairman Mahmut Özgener addressed the graduates with a special video, sharing his thoughts and experiences, and conveying his best wishes. Starting his message by thanking the families, Chairman Özgener said, “In this ceremony of ours, not only our students but also our valuable families are graduating. No amount of pride is enough for raising your children, whom you have nurtured with care, love, and big dreams. I congratulate you, our dear families, for raising such valuable and successful young individuals, and I thank you for entrusting your unique children to our university and us, and for the trust you have in us.” Stressing that graduation is not a farewell but a new beginning, Chairman Özgener pointed out that the most valuable legacy to be left for the future is the young generation. He continued, “Today’s graduation is by no means a separation. You are an indispensable member of Izmir University of Economics Family, you are an important value. As you walk out of this door, always remember that this is your home, and we will always be your supporters. Graduating from university was a moment you have been dreaming of for years. You worked, overcame difficulties, put effort, and truly deserved this success. Now, it is time to carry your academic success into the business world, to climb the steps in your career journey with confidence, and to reach your goals with steady steps. I believe that you will work with all your might to carry our country to a more advanced level by following in the footsteps of our great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. As bright, modern, qualified young people raised on this campus, who love their country and are firmly attached to their values, you will achieve great successes and make us even prouder.” IEU Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu stated that education transforms individuals and life, and graduation ceremonies celebrate this transformation. Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “What you have learned here is a story of humanity’s boundless curiosity and quest for knowledge. This story has been written for thousands of years. I hope and wish that it will continue to be written for thousands of years to come. Our story is the greatest hope for the future of humanity and sustainable living. We must transform for sustainable living. Every transformation requires leadership. As the most educated and equipped individuals in this society, you are obliged to lead this transformation. Frankly, I think this is not a choice but a moral duty and obligation.” Encouraging the graduates to trust in their education and values, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu continued, “Believe in yourself, in the education you have received, and in the values you possess. You are graduating from a university that ranks in the top 3 among Turkey’s most innovative universities, and among the top 200 universities globally for quality education towards sustainable development. You are graduating from a university that you will be proud to be a member of. Graduation ceremonies are a celebration of shared success and pride. I congratulate you. As I finish my words, I would like to refer to a quote from our founder: ‘While showing the way for this nation, let’s benefit from all kinds of science, inventions, and progress of the world, but let’s not forget that we must lay the real foundation ourselves.’ Dear young people, you are the foundation. May your path be bright and open with knowledge, wisdom, and love.”