Young architects, who successfully completed the Near East University Faculty of Architecture in the spring term of the 2022-2023 academic year, received their diplomas at a ceremony held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center.
In addition to the graduates and their families, deans, department heads, lecturers and guests took part in the ceremony. The opening speeches of the ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, were delivered by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Faculty of Architecture Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan. On behalf of all the students who graduated from the Turkish program, Naciye Yaren Hayirlıoğlu, the valedictorian of the faculty, expressed her feelings, while Heba Gharaibeh, the third top graduate of the faculty, spoke on behalf of the international graduates. After the speeches, the graduates who received their diplomas threw their caps with great enthusiasm.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Keep your curiosity alive to discover new ideas and be open to innovations.”
Saying that graduation opens the doors of a new life, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Graduation is only the first of the new achievements you will reach in your life and the new steps you will climb. You will set new goals throughout your life and continue to take new steps.”
Addressing the graduates, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Do not lose your curiosity. Adopt the philosophy of lifelong learning and keep improving yourself. In a changing world, we cannot move forward based on our current knowledge alone. Keep your curiosity alive to discover new ideas, acquire new skills and be open to innovations.”
Emphasizing that Near East University is a pioneer not only in the field of education but also in the field of culture and art, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said “Having deep traces of culture and art, you graduate from a campus adorned with museums, exhibitions and outdoor sculptures. When you look back, you will see much better how this air you breathe throughout your university life has improved your aesthetic sense, enriched your tastes and your perception of art.”
Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan: “May success always be with you in this important and new beginning where you will design your future.”
Starting his speech by stating that architecture is a way of life, Near East University Faculty of Architecture Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan said, “Today, which you have reached as a result of intense study and sleepless nights, will be the beginning of your professional experience. Do not forget that it is an important example of his life-long experience that Mimar Sinan called the Selimiye Mosque his masterwork, which he built when he was 86 years old.
Referring to the February 6 earthquakes, Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan said, “My young colleagues, the recent earthquake in Turkey and its very painful consequences once again proved that you must work with professional ethics in your professional practices and administrative duties in the future.”
Addressing the families, Prof. Dr. Zihni Turkan said, “With the devoted work of all the teaching staff of our faculty, we have trained your children you entrusted to us as fully-equipped architects as required by their profession. This pride belongs to all of us. As for the graduates, May success always be with you in this important and new beginning where you will design your future. Northern Cyprus and the Near East University will always be with you.”
Naciye Yaren Hayirlıoğlu: “The Near East University and Northern Cyprus have added very important things to my life.”
Naciye Yaren Hayirlıoğlu, who graduated from the Near East University Faculty of Architecture as the top graduate, said, “The Near East University and Northern Cyprus have added very important things to my life. I am very happy to share this success with you here.”
Stating that they were always supported by their families and teachers throughout their education life, Naciye Yaren Hayirlıoğlu said, “First of all, I would like to thank my parents who have always been by my side throughout my education and then my whole family. Our esteemed professors who are with us in this process; Thank you very much for your friendship, for supporting us in every field, for teaching us the best and the most truthful thing, and for sharing our troubles, sadness and happiness with us.
Heba Gharaibeh: “I had some of the best moments of my life here.”
Speaking on behalf of international students, the third top graduate of the faculty, Heba Gharaibeh, shared her excitement and pride by saying “We stand here proudly looking at the four-year heritage that we have created with my graduate friends.”
Heba Gharaibeh continued her speech by reminding Alfred Mercier’s words, “We never forget what we learn with pleasure,” and continued, “When I chose the interior architecture department, I just listened to my instincts and made my choice.
Talking about the beauties and experiences that she has had in the TRNC, Heba Gharaibeh said, “I discovered many things this island has offered and I had some of the best moments of my life here.”
