Enthusiastic Celebration for the 25th Anniversary

Izmir University of Economics (IUE), which began its educational journey on April 14, 2001, as the first Foundation University in the Aegean Region, celebrated its 25th anniversary with great enthusiasm and excitement. The ceremony featured the singing of anthems specially composed for the quarter-century milestone and the cutting of a commemorative cake prepared by students of the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts. Speaking at the event, Mahmut Özgener, President of the IUE Board of Trustees, said, “We view our 25th year as the first step toward new achievements. As we enter our second quarter-century, we are setting an even greater goal: to become a university that makes a global difference and transcends borders.”

The ceremony, which took place at the IUE Conference Hall with a large turnout and was livestreamed on IUE’s YouTube channel, began with speeches by Mahmut Özgener, Chairman of the Executive Board of Izmir Chamber of Commerce and President of IUE Board of Trustees, and Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu.  During the ceremony, guests were shown the 25th-anniversary film featuring 2019 graduates of the Izmir University of Economics (IEU) Faculty of Communication, İlayda Molla Hazar and Berk Eruz. The film, which chronicled the University’s development, received a standing ovation from the audience.   

“WE BUILT THE FUTURE IN THE LIGHT OF SCIENCE”

Speaking at the ceremony, Mahmut Özgener, President of the Board of Trustees at Izmir Economics University, stated that they had grown over the past quarter-century through knowledge, production, and courage, Özgener said, “We have built a strong future guided by science. With every step we’ve taken, we’ve aimed for the best; with every success, we’ve aimed for greater heights. We’ve spearheaded research and projects that add value to our country. Most importantly, we’ve nurtured thousands of young people who represent our country in the best possible way across all fields on the international stage. “At our University, we have not merely produced excellent engineers, doctors, business professionals, economists, and graduates in every field; we have also strived to ensure they become free-thinking individuals with independent minds and consciences—innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial. Our university has become more than just a trusted and exemplary institution that ranks among students’ top choices; it has evolved into an educational institution that shapes the scientific world through its achievements.”

“WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS WHAT WE DO FROM HERE ON OUT”  

President Özgener, who stated that they must swiftly implement the necessary transformation in education by accurately interpreting the signs of rapid global change, said, “From artificial intelligence to fintech, from the triple transformation to micro-credentials, and from design to gastronomy, we are preparing Turkey’s most distinguished students, who have chosen us across all these disciplines, for the future using the latest educational and teaching methods. As a University, what truly matters is what we will do next.  We view our 25th anniversary as a new beginning. We see it as the first step toward new achievements and firsts. As we enter our second quarter-century, we are setting an even greater goal for ourselves. This goal is to become a University that makes a difference on a global scale and transcends borders. To rise to the status of a university that ranks among the top in global university rankings, serves as a benchmark, and inspires others, not just in Turkey, but worldwide. In this journey, our accreditations, the growing number of scientific research projects led by our University’s esteemed faculty members, and their publications in academic journals are creating significant added value.”

“A LONG-HELD DREAM BECOMES REALITY”

 Highlighting that IUE is a large community of 26,000 graduates, 12,000 students, and 1,000 academics, Özgener pointed to the importance of the ongoing Güzelbahçe Campus construction. He noted that the University has undertaken the largest single-campus investment ever made by a university in Turkey to create a world-class, eco-friendly, and high-tech educational hub. “We are experiencing the happiness of seeing a dream we've had for years turn into reality step by step,” he said.

“WE ARE MOVING TOWARD A STRONG FUTURE”

Expressing that, emboldened by 25 years of experience, they are now dreaming bigger and moving toward a stronger future, Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “The goal of becoming an innovative and entrepreneurial university that reaches out to the world from Izmir and creates value from the local to the global has shaped the direction of this institution. Today, with its strong academic faculty across various disciplines, international partnerships, accredited programs, and highly qualified graduates, our University has achieved a position of distinction.”

“WE WILL PRODUCE MORE AND CREATE VALUE”

Noting that the concept of the university is being redefined worldwide, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “Universities are evolving into centers of innovation that transform knowledge into strategic value, design learning as a way of life, and lead social transformation. Our new campus rising in Güzelbahçe is the very embodiment of this transformation. With its structure that fosters interdisciplinary interaction and creativity, its robust digital infrastructure, its advanced research capabilities, and its commitment to sustainability, it will provide an ecosystem where knowledge is co-created with the community. With this campus, we are once again strongly reaffirming our goal of becoming a university that conducts more research, produces more, and creates greater value. You can take that as our word.”

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENT CEREMONY HELD

Following the opening speeches, plaques were presented to academics and administrative staff completing their 25th year of service. Additionally, appointment certificates were awarded to faculty members who were promoted to the ranks of Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor.