According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, the graduation ceremony commenced with a minute’s silence, followed by the national anthem and Vice Rector of Near East University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan, Dean of Faculty İsmail Hakkı Mirici, Head of Institute of Educational Sciences and Head of Communal Research and Development Centre Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, academicians and guests attended the ceremony that was held in a lively atmosphere.

It was pointed out that Vice Rector of Near East University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan, Dean of Atatürk Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Mirici, Valedictorian Heran Akartürk each made a speech at the graduation ceremony. Also, there was a musical performance made by academic members of the Department of Music Teaching.

Akartürk: “Life Never Offers the Same Opportunities to Everyone but Everything Is In Our Hands …”
On behalf of the graduates, Valedictorian from the Department of Classroom Teaching, Heran Akartürk made a speech and said: “Throughout my education, I have always set myself goals and worked systematically and with determination to achieve these goals. Now I am a form teacher. I think I made the right decision by choosing this profession. I will do my best to educate the next generations in the light of science and technology in the best and most equipped way, following the footsteps of our great leader Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK. Life never offers the same opportunities to everyone but everything is in our hands. We must always work hard to achieve the best and never give up!”

Prof. Dr. Mirici: “Bilingual Teacher Training Certificate Program is only found at Atatürk Faculty of Education once considering educational institutions in Turkey and in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)…”
In his speech, Dean of Atatürk Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Mirici expressed that Atatürk Faculty of Education of Near East University comprises many firsts and only features among Faculties of Education in Turkey and in the TRNC. Such as, bilingual Teacher Training Certificate Program is only found at Atatürk Faculty of Education once considering faculties of education in Turkey and in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Furthermore, he emphasised that they were the only faculty with an academic journal (NEJE) and annual conferences (ICIER) within its institutional structure. Moreover, he stressed that NEU Atatürk Faculty of Education is the first and only Faculty of Education in the TRNC that has been accredited by EPDAD, the accreditation institution recognized by YÖK. He added that they were only faculty among the TRNC universities to participate in TUBITAK University Students Research Project Competitions, for the first time, and that the project was invited to the Regional Exhibition.

In addition to the above, Prof. Dr. Mirici said; “I'm sure you will continue your own development in your future life and you will successfully equip future generations with contemporary and top-notch information. With each success, you will honour and make us proud. I wish you all the best in your future lives, may you have plenty of luck and all the best in the future!”

Assoc Prof Dr. Murat Tüzünkan: “Raising individuals who value individual and social development is among our main goals!”
Vice Rector of Near East University Assoc Prof Dr. Murat Tüzünkan stated that with the awareness that the time spent in education has an important place in human life and always feeling the pride and responsibility of the teaching profession, he emphasised that every day, they were trying to reveal a piece of art with the subtlety of a painter, the patience of a painter and the meticulousness of the sculptor.

Furthermore, he stressed that their main objectives are to educate individuals who learn by reading and research, who can feel the sense of responsibility and perceive the contribution of values to individual and social development in addition to adopting basic human values, understanding different values and differences, asking themselves questions, thinking analytically, communicating well, and expressing their ideas effectively.

Universities are now 4th Generation universities which touch the society via working towards the needs of the society. He emphasised that they had integrated the 4^th Generation model into Near East University since they wanted to produce science for the society with the vision of new education in the world focused on competition, science and technology. Also, Assoc Prof Dr. Murat Tüzünkan stressed that their mission involved extending activities to other segments of the society and developing projects in a way that will contribute to the society.

Furthermore, he said that as an academic institution they were progressing rapidly, as studies for science continue rapidly, in addition to making overseas agreements, increasing the number of patents and gaining more qualified graduates for our country.

It was also pointed out that Assoc Prof Dr. Murat Tüzünkan stated that within this scope and in order to transform scientific knowledge and experience into technology and economic value, the Technology Transfer Office was established to develop and sustain university industry cooperation.

“Always aim for the best in the world…”
Addressing the graduates, Assoc Prof Dr. Murat Tüzünkan advised them to keep their horizons broad, with the information they have acquired, and continue their lifelong learning. Furthermore, he told them to continuously refresh their knowledge and always set the goal to be the best in the world.

He said: “Let your education, your will, your determination and determination be your guide to reach the right target. As individuals who grow up in accordance with the requirements and needs of the age, you will keep your knowledge fresh and raise new generations that will carry our country to a brighter future. When we meet again, we are sure to be proud as we will surely see you as a teacher, happy and peaceful individuals who have made great achievements!”

Successful Students were awarded Medals and Diplomas …
Subsequent to the speeches, the diplomas were presented. Moreover, Vice Rector of Near East University Assoc. Prof Dr. Murat Tüzünkan presented medals and diplomas to the students with outstanding achievements in the faculty. Later, all other students were given their diplomas and the graduation ceremony ended after the graduation caps were tossed in the air.