‘5-day’ graduation enthusiasm at IUE

1 thousand 500 students, who successfully completed their studies at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and earned their diplomas, were sent off to their new lives at the end of the five-day graduation ceremonies. The young people, who wore their gowns and threw their caps into the air with great enthusiasm, experienced their joy to the fullest. IUE students, who reached the moment they had dreamed of and waited for with excitement and longing for years, showed their happiness by hugging their families, academics, and friends and took lots of photos.

The 2023-2024 Academic Year Graduation Ceremonies of Izmir University of Economics were held in the amphitheater on campus. This year's graduation ceremonies were divided into five days, organized separately for each faculty and school. Thus, the young people who had the opportunity to stay on stage longer received great applause from the guests. The ceremonies were attended by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Assembly President Selami Özpoyraz, Assembly Vice Presidents Mehmet Tahir Özdemir and Nevzat Artkıy, Former Rector of IUE Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Levent Eren, Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner, and Prof. Dr. Gözde Yazgı Tütüncü, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Education and Health Foundation and IUE trustees, academics, and families. IUE Board of Trustees President Mahmut Özgener addressed the graduates with a special video, sharing his thoughts and experiences and wishing them success.

THANKING THE FAMILIES

Starting his message by thanking the families, President Özgener said, “In this ceremony, not only our students but also their valuable families are graduating. No matter how proud you are of your children, whom you have raised with great care, love, and big dreams, it is not enough. I congratulate valued families for raising such precious, successful young people, and I would like to thank you for entrusting your precious children to us and for the trust you have shown in our University and us.”

NEVER A GOODBYE

Emphasizing that the most valuable legacy to be left for the future is the youth, President Özgener gave important messages to the graduates, saying, “Today's graduation is never a separation. You are an indispensable member and an important value of the Izmir University of Economics Community. As you walk out of this door, never forget that this is your home, and we will always be your supporters. Graduating from university was a moment you had dreamed of for years. You worked, overcame difficulties, put in the effort, and deserved this success to the fullest. Now it's time to carry your academic success into your professional life and reach your goals by climbing the career ladder with confident steps. I believe that you will work with all your strength to take our country to a higher level by following the path of our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. As bright, modern, qualified, patriot young people who received training on this campus, you will achieve great successes and make us even prouder.”

YOU HAVE TO LEAD THE TRANSFORMATION

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu stated that education transforms individuals and life, and graduation ceremonies are a celebration of 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 continues to be written for thousands of years to come. Our story is the greatest hope for humanity's future and sustainable life. We have to transform for a sustainable life. Every transformation requires leadership. As the most educated and equipped individuals of this society, you have to lead this transformation. Frankly, I think this is more of a moral duty and obligation than a choice.”

TRUST THE EDUCATION YOU RECEIVED

Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu continued his words as follows: “Trust yourself, trust the education you have received, and trust the values you possess. We are among the top 3 most innovative universities in Turkey and among the top 200 universities in the world in quality education aimed at sustainable development goals. You are graduating from a university you will be proud to belong to. Graduation ceremonies are a celebration of common success and pride. I congratulate you. As I conclude my remarks, I want to refer to a saying of our Leader Ataturk: ‘While showing the path to this nation, let's benefit from all the science, discoveries, and progress of the world, but let’s not forget that we must extract the main foundation from within ourselves.’ Dear young people, you are the foundation. May your path be bright and clear with knowledge, wisdom, and love.”