The 2025-2026 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony of Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, began with a vibrant atmosphere at NEU Event Park. On the first day of the four-day event, a total of 548 students from the Atatürk Faculty of Education, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Theology, and Faculty of Communication, as well as the Vocational School, celebrated their graduation.

The 2025-2026 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony of Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, began with a vibrant atmosphere at NEU Event Park. On the first day of the four-day ceremony, a total of 548 students from the Atatürk Faculty of Education, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Theology, and Faculty of Communication, as well as the Vocational School, celebrated their graduation and threw their caps into the air.

Before the ceremony, graduates enjoyed themselves with live music in the festival area, and then fully experienced the joy of graduation with a performance by DJ Ece Kanmaz. The magnificent night ended with a fireworks display. The ceremony, which began with a procession, included opening speeches by Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, and Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University. The ceremony was also attended by the Rector of Kyrenia University, Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu; the Rector of Eastern Mediterranean University, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç; the Rector of Lefke European University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen; the Rector of Kyrenia American University, Prof. Dr. Serdar Yurtsever; the Vice Rector of Kyrenia American University, Prof. Dr. Tülin Bodamyalı; the Vice Rector of Kyrenia American University, Prof. Dr. Oya Ertuğruloğlu; the General Secretary of Kyrenia American University, Aylin Ayhan; and the Rector’s Advisor of Kyrenia American University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Celal Sakka. Ceyhun Kırok, the Mayor of Çatalköy-Esentepe, who was also present at the ceremony, personally presented the diploma to his daughter, Ülker Kırok, who graduated from the Primary School Teaching Department.

Emrecan Doğan, a graduate of the Faculty of Communication, expressed his feelings on behalf of the Turkish language program graduates, while Precious Zeynom Moses, a graduate of the Faculty of International Law, spoke on behalf of the international students. A video message from AI-based academician AI. Prof. DUX was also shown at the ceremony.

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “You are the graduates of the first year we ranked among the top 500 universities in the world.”

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, stated that the half-century journey of Near East University has been shaped by faith, determination, and perseverance. Emphasizing that being among the top 500 universities in the world is more than just a ranking achievement, but the result of years of hard work and confidence in the future, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that Near East University is not only a university that produces knowledge, but also one that impacts the society and the world. He noted that they aim to educate students not only as professionals, but also as individuals who can stand strong in all aspects of life, and that this understanding is confirmed by international achievements and the “Sports-Friendly Campus” award.

Addressing the graduates, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “Today you are conferred upon a diploma from one of the top 500 universities in the world. However, years from now, when you look back, you will see that the most valuable thing you carry with you is not the diploma; it is the perspective you gained here, the friendships you formed, the resilience you developed in the face of challenges, and the determination you acquired to achieve your goals. May your path be clear, your goals great, and your courage enduring.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Developing this world is now your responsibility.”

Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that they would be sending off over 2,600 young people to all corners of the world over four days, and expressed his great pride in being together with students from different faculties and vocational schools on the first night of the graduation ceremony.

Emphasizing that the participation of rectors from different universities in this year’s ceremony held special significance, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ drew attention to the developing cooperation among higher education institutions in the TRNC. “This unity is not a coincidence. We all see how strong we are when we act together against common problems.”, said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, adding that universities are not only institutions that produce knowledge but also structures that shape the future of societies. Addressing the graduates in his speech, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “Today you are graduating as professionals; that is, you have a world of meaning. And developing this world is now your responsibility. I wholeheartedly congratulate you all.”

Emrecan Doğan: “We will never forget the pride we feel today.”

Emrecan Doğan, a graduate of the Faculty of Communication, emphasized that their university years provided them not only with a diploma but also with friendships, memories, and unforgettable experiences. He said, “University is not just a place to learn a profession; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Sometimes we studied until dawn, sometimes we supported each other, but each time we managed to keep going.”

Despite studying in different fields, Doğan said they walked the same corridors and shared the same hopes. “Perhaps years later we won’t remember every detail, but we will never forget the friendships we established, our laughter, and the pride we feel today. The most important thing our university years taught us is to keep moving forward no matter what.”

Precious Zeynom Moses: “When we act with determination, we have the power to achieve much more than we imagine.”

Precious Zeynom Moses, a graduate of the Faculty of International Law at Near East University, stated that Near East University is more than just a campus for them. “It has become a global home bringing together students from all over the world. Although we have different cultures and backgrounds, it has taught us that our desire for excellence and our shared dreams are essentially the same.”, she said. Moses added that her university education taught her one of the most important lessons: “One cannot fully discover their true potential unless they are willing to strive and work hard. However, when we act with determination, we have the power to achieve much more than we imagine. When we challenge ourselves and seize new opportunities, we discover aspects of ourselves we hadn’t noticed before and strengths we didn’t know we possessed. That’s when a person truly begins to shine.”