The 2024–2025 academic year graduation ceremonies of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Istinye University were held with great pride and excitement. Students who successfully completed their studies and earned the right to graduate celebrated this significant milestone together with their families, faculty members, and fellow graduates.
During the ceremony, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Alper Tunga, delivered a heartfelt speech:
“You have earned your diplomas by completing your undergraduate education. Throughout your university journey, you have gained valuable experiences, formed lifelong friendships, and lived through moments of both joy and disappointment. Now, combining all these, you are embarking on a new chapter in life.
Your duty is to become individuals who pursue science and technology on the path of contemporary civilization. Wherever you go in the world, you will carry the identity of an Istinye University graduate and be a proud representative of our institution.
We firmly believe that as Istinye graduates, you will shape the future and use your knowledge and skills to make the world a better place. My most sincere advice to you is to always remember the words of the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: ‘The truest guide in life is science.’ Let science be your guide.
I sincerely congratulate you on your graduation and wish you health, happiness, and continued success in your life ahead. I applaud each and every one of you. May your paths be bright and your futures full of promise.”
Rector of Istinye University, Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş, also addressed the graduates, emphasizing the dedication, discipline, and growth shown by students throughout their academic journey:
“Today, we bid farewell to our graduates who will shape the future. As individuals equipped with knowledge, you are ready to contribute to society. Graduation is not an end but a powerful beginning to the future you will build with confidence.”
“Universities Are Institutions That Shape the Future”
Prof. Dr. İbiş underlined the importance of universities as institutions that serve the public interest and contribute to society. He stated that universities grow stronger through their traditions, values, principles, and most importantly, their alumni.
“Universities not only shape the present but also build the next generations. Their greatest source of strength is their graduates. We hope our alumni become individuals who make a difference, combining intellectual depth with conscience and universal values—free in thought, free in conscience, and free in knowledge, as expressed by Atatürk.”
The ceremony continued with a speech from the top-ranking graduate of the Faculty, Bengisu Kayan, from the Department of Computer Engineering:
“I am Bengisu, your seatmate from V-123. It feels like a dream to be here with all of you today. I still remember crying over Physics 1 homework—something I’m sure many of us experienced. But in the end, through all the sleepless nights, hard work, and collaboration, we succeeded—we are now graduates.
We gained not only knowledge but also values. To all my fellow graduates sharing this excitement with me today: may your voices always be bold and your pens always sharp. The world becomes a more vibrant place when we express ourselves freely and authentically. Let’s never lose our sense of solidarity and the beauty we bring together. Let’s remember that only by supporting one another can we achieve the greatest things.
As Istinye University alumni, we must continue to stand by one another even after graduation. As Atatürk said, ‘The light that brightens the future of the Republic shines on the foreheads of Turkish engineers.’ We promise, dear Atatürk, to become scientists who will serve our country with pride.”
The ceremony reached its emotional peak during the traditional cap toss, a symbolic moment marking the transition into a new chapter.
As the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Istinye University, we wholeheartedly congratulate our graduates and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them throughout their career journeys.