5-Day Graduation Celebration

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year as the first Foundation University in the Aegean Region, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) bid farewell to 1,200 students who successfully completed the 2025-2026 Academic Year, sending them off to their new lives with graduation ceremonies spanning five days. Wearing their gowns and throwing their caps into the air with great enthusiasm, the young graduates fully enjoyed their happiness. Reaching the moment they had dreamed of and eagerly anticipated for years, the graduates expressed their joy by hugging their families, academics, and friends.

The Izmir University of Economics 2025-2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremonies were held at the campus amphitheater. This year's ceremonies were organized separately for each faculty and school, spread across 5 days. The ceremonies were attended by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO) Assembly President Selami Özpoyraz, Assembly Vice Presidents Mehmet Tahir Özdemir and Nevzat Artkıy, members of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Education and Health Foundation, the University's board of trustees, academics, and families. A special film prepared for IUE’s 25th anniversary, focusing on the University's development and vision for the future, was highly acclaimed by the audience. The number of students graduated by Izmir University of Economics since its establishment in 2001 has reached approximately 28,000.

“BE CURIOUS, READ, FOCUS ON INNOVATION”

Mahmut Özgener, President of the IUE Board of Trustees, addressed the graduates via a special video at the ceremony, conveying his wishes for success and the message that the university will stand by them throughout their lives. Stating that graduation is never a farewell, Özgener offered advice to guide the youth on their career journeys: “A new path opens up before you from now on. Aim to be individuals who do not just follow the changing world, but also shape it. The way to achieve this is through curiosity, reading, researching, and focusing on innovation. Be open to different ideas, read technology correctly, and always carry the courage to do better. Remember that the future will be shaped by the hands of young people who think, produce, question, and take responsibility, meaning you. As young people who walk and grow in the light of science, just as our Great Leader Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk desired, I believe that you will add value to the future with your knowledge, vision, and courage.”

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROUD OF YOU”

Stating that they will maintain strong bonds with the graduates as always, Özgener said, “Your bond with Izmir University of Economics does not end today. On the contrary, it continues much more strongly today. As the University, we will always be by your side and continue to be proud of your achievements. Remember that you have another family that will always embrace you with love and will be with you no matter how many years pass. The name of this family is Izmir University of Economics. I know that you will represent the values of our University in the best way possible wherever you are in the world, and I trust you immensely. I congratulate you all with love and wish you a future full of success. May your path be clear.”

“WE ARE ON THE THRESHOLD OF A GREAT TRANSFORMATION”

Speaking at the ceremony, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu pointed out that humanity is perhaps on the threshold of one of the greatest technological and social transformations in its history, saying, “Every great transformation creates uncertainty. But remember, every uncertainty is also the beginning of new opportunities. What is difficult during periods of uncertainty is not generating solutions, but being able to see the right problem and ask the right questions. The right question arises not only from knowledge, but from the ability to understand humans, institutions, culture, and history together. Artificial intelligence can access knowledge faster than us, analyze data better than us, and generate answers. But it cannot decide on its own which question really needs to be asked. Nor can it take legal and moral responsibility for the answers it generates. This is exactly what will make us indispensable.”

“YOU MUST USE KNOWLEDGE FOR THE BENEFIT OF HUMANITY”

Stating that as Izmir University of Economics, they aim to raise individuals who are lifelong learners and use their knowledge for the benefit of humanity, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “We believe that true education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about developing human potential, enriching competencies, and turning knowledge into value for humanity. Today, as we send you off, this is our greatest assurance. We know that you will continue to learn, that you will not compromise on your values, and that you will use your knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Being a part of Izmir University of Economics means taking science as a guide. It means being able to think freely. It means drawing strength from differences and never compromising on ethical values. It means feeling a sense of responsibility toward society and our planet. May science guide your mind, and your values guide your conscience. May your path and your fortune be clear.”