First Diploma, Great Excitement
Children aged 5–6 studying at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Beyaz Köşk Kindergarten experienced the joy of their first-ever graduation. The little ones, who will start primary school next year, put on their gowns and threw their caps into the air, just like university students. After receiving their diplomas, the children danced together, played games, and exhibited the special projects they had worked on for the graduation, spending an unforgettable evening filled with enthusiasm.
Taking plenty of photos with their families and teachers, the children thoroughly enjoyed their day, happily eating popcorn and special snacks prepared for them after the ceremony. In addition to the graduating ‘Galaxy’ class students, the students from the ‘Jupiter’, ‘Cats’, and ‘Fish’ classes also livened up the program with their performances. The year-end festival of Beyaz Köşk Kindergarten, the first and only kindergarten belonging to a foundation university in Izmir, was attended by IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, IUE Children’s University Research and Application Center Board Members, Psychologist Ayşe Özgener, Prof. Dr. Elvan Özkavruk Adanır, Prof. Dr. Evrim Üstünlüoğlu, Lecturer Ezgi Oral Bozkurtoğlu, Lecturer Yasemin Özgün, as well as families, academics, and guests.
“THEY GROW WITH LOVE, TRUST, AND CARE”
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu stated that they have an educational approach that values children's individual characteristics and encourages them to discover and produce. Noting that his own son is also a student at Beyaz Köşk Kindergarten, Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu said, “In our kindergarten, we offer children an environment where they can express themselves freely, learn to produce together and take responsibility, and keep their sense of curiosity alive. We act with the awareness that every child has different interests, learning styles, and strengths. Seeing them grow up with love, trust, and care is very precious to us as parents. Their joy, the sparkle in their eyes, and their loving looks at one another already summarize everything. I wish all the children lifelong happiness and success.”
“EDUCATION INTERTWINED WITH ART AND SCIENCE”
Expressing that the children showed great development throughout the year and that the graduation ceremony was one of the most special moments of this process, Prof. Dr. Evrim Üstünlüoğlu said, “Preschool education is one of the most valuable beginnings in a child's life. At Beyaz Köşk Kindergarten, we aimed for children to grow up intertwined with art, science, nature, and play. We prioritized children's self-confidence, communication skills, creativity, and emotional development.”
“WE ACHIEVED THIS TOGETHER WITH THE PARENTS”
Onur Kurtuluş Kara, Principal of IUE Beyaz Köşk Kindergarten, emphasized that touching a child's life is a great responsibility, stating: "I sincerely thank all the families who trusted us and entrusted their children to Beyaz Köşk Kindergarten. Touching a child's life and witnessing their first learning experiences, friendships, excitements, and achievements is very valuable to us. In our kindergarten, we provided a versatile development environment, thinking not only of children's present but also of their future. During this process, the support, trust, and sincere communication established with us by the families made a great contribution to the children's development."
