At the third and last ceremony held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center, 169 graduates from the faculties of Sports Sciences, Architecture, Nursing, Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Medicine and the Vocational School of Health Services received their diplomas.

680 students who graduated from Near East University in the 2023-2024 fall semester took their first steps into their new lives by throwing their caps at the ceremonies held. 520 graduates who received their diplomas in three ceremonies held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center, had the happiness of completing their undergraduate and associate degrees, and 160 had the happiness of completing their postgraduate education.

At the third and last ceremony, 169 graduates of Near East University’s Sports Sciences, Architecture, Nursing, Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Medicine faculties and Vocational School of Health Services received their diplomas.

The ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, was attended by intense participation. The ceremony was attended by Near East University Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan and Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Prof. Dr. Ümran Dal, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan and Director of Vocational School of Health Services Prof. Dr. Aslı Aykaç, academicians, students, graduates and their families attended.

The opening speeches of the ceremony were delivered by Near East University Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan, Dean of Near East University Faculty of Architecture, Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan and Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu. Mehmet Aygül, a graduate of the Faculty of Nursing, expressed his feelings on behalf of Turkish students, and Joy Oluwatofunmi Ibiyemi, a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy, on behalf of international students.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan: “We are very happy to graduate you as young adults who are aware of their responsibilities and equipped with the courage to shape society.”

Near East University Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan started his speech by saying “Today, we are proud to send you off to your new lives” and continued, “It is now time to apply the knowledge and experiences you have acquired. We are very pleased to graduate you as young adults who are aware of your responsibilities and equipped with the courage to shape society.”

“You graduated from an international university with students from 143 countries. This cultural diversity, which is reflected in our graduation ceremony today, provides our students with a global perspective and the opportunity to develop understanding and cooperation between different cultures. I do believe that, in addition to the professional equipment you have acquired from our competent staff in your subject fields, this rich diversity in which you have been educated, will be one of the greatest privileges of you as our graduates.I want you to know that we are proud of each and every one of you. Remember that you have a home and family here in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I congratulate you all once again and wish you a successful future. Good luck to you.”

Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan: “Dear graduates, we have full faith that you will be successful in your professional and social lives.”

Near East University Faculty of Architecture Dean Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan said, “Today, you are at the beginning of a new period of your life. We share your happiness and are proud of you.” Addressing the families, Prof. Dr. Turkan said, “It is time to be proud of the achievements of your children whom you have raised with love and dedication. We sincerely congratulate you.”

Emphasizing that Near East University is a university that expands the boundaries of science, art and sports, is liberal, leads social development and has universal values, Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan said, “Dear graduates, I have full faith that you will be successful in your professional and social lives. May your path and luck always be good.”

Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu: “Happiness is not a life goal, but you should try to enjoy life in the best way possible.”

Near East University Faculty of Sports Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu started her speech by saying, “Dear graduates, years of effort and dedication have finally paid off.”

Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu said, “Happiness is not a life goal, but you should try to enjoy life in the best way possible. Always show respect with honesty and ethics. Be someone who cares about the weak and those in need, who cares about all living things and the environment, and who is proud of the results he achieves.”

“Follow what you believe in, don’t be afraid of failures and don’t be afraid to take risks. If you succeed, that’s great. If you fail, learn from it! Addressing the graduates, Prof. Dr. Tiryakioğlu said, “This approach will enable you to win in every situation. Continue your journey, build a better world for yourself.”

Mehmet Aygül: “We will continue our journey in the light of science and in the footsteps of our Ancestor.”

Speaking on behalf of Turkish graduates, Mehmet Aygül, a graduate of the Faculty of Nursing, said: “Today, at the end of our long and difficult educational journey, we are opening the doors of the future. Even though we bear the bitterness of leaving our university, we experience the joy of finding our profession. We have not only gained a profession, but also gained a respected identity in our country and in the world.”

Referring to the words of the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “If one day my words contradict science, choose science,” Aygül said, “We will continue our journey in the light of science and in the footsteps of our Ancestor.”

Joy Oluwatofunmi Ibiyemi: “Each of us had unique experiences at Near East University.”

Joy Oluwatofunmi Ibiyemi, a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy, said: “Today, we are celebrating one of the most important milestones in our lives. Our achievements are not only a testament to our individual brilliance, but also a reflection of the constant encouragement and support of our families.”

Stating that she accumulated many unforgettable memories during her five-year education period, Joy Oluwatofunmi Ibiyemi said, “Each of us had unique experiences at Near East University. We now continue on our way with the skills, knowledge and experience we need to shape our future and be successful.”