Young veterinary candidates who began their education at the Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine put on their white coats and took the first steps on their professional journeys, guided by the light of science of Near East University.

The Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 2025–2026 Academic Year “Prof. Dr. Mehtapgül Altaş Atığ White Coat Ceremony” was held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center with a large turnout. Held in memory of Prof. Dr. Mehtapgül Altaş Atığ, a beloved faculty member who passed away last year, the ceremony took place in an emotional and meaningful atmosphere this year.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a promotional film from Near East University. The ceremony, which was well-attended by academics, students, and families, was also attended by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Eseceli, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University.

The opening ceremony speeches were delivered by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy and Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz. Prof. Dr. Mehtapgül Altaş Atığ commemorated, while Seden Yılmaz, a fourth-year English Department student, delivered an emotional speech on behalf of all the students.

Another meaningful moment of the ceremony was when the students received their white coats from their academics. The students, taking their first steps in their professions in their white coats, also brought emotional moments to their families.

Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy: “May your white coats always shine with the light of science, the guidance of conscience, and the pride of your labor.”
Emphasizing that Near East University is an international university striving for excellence in science and education, with over 20,000 students from 143 different countries, Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy said, “This is not just an educational institution, it is also a center of science, innovation, and development. It is a great pride for us to be with you, our precious students, who will carry this strong legacy into the future.”

Addressing the students by saying, Prof. Aksoy also said, “Today, you are taking your first step into the veterinary profession. You have a long and challenging, yet equally instructive process ahead of you. This process will strengthen you with knowledge, experience, and professional skills. You will never be alone on this path, you have a strong academic staff and a well-established faculty that will be with you every step of the way.”

Recalling that the Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was established in 2009 as the island’s first veterinary faculty, Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy added, “Our faculty, with its contemporary educational approach and internationally respected academic staff who are experts in their fields, will continue to educate you in the best possible way. Because your success is also our success. May your white coats always shine with the light of science, the guidance of conscience, and the pride of your labor.”

Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz said, “I believe your successes will be a source of hope for your country and the world.”
Emphasizing that veterinary medicine not only protects animal health but is also at the heart of areas such as human health, environmental health, and food safety, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine stated that the ‘One Health’ approach demonstrates that it is impossible to consider human, animal, and environmental health separately. He stated that with this holistic perspective, they expect students to be individuals who protect health and champion sustainability, rather than simply treat diseases.

Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz stated that scientific advances and digital transformation have opened new horizons for veterinary medicine, saying, “As veterinarians of the future, we expect you not only to be able to use these technologies, but also to guide them by adhering to ethical, scientific, and human values. Remember that no matter how advanced technology becomes, what makes medicine ‘medicine’ is the guidance of humanity and compassion.”

In his speech, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz also commemorated Prof. Dr. Mehtapgül Altaş Atığ, saying, “Our teacher wore the white coat not only as a symbol of the profession, but as a responsibility, a dedication, and a way of life. She set an example for us by passing these values on to her students. Her memory will always be cherished at our faculty.” Then, addressing the students, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz said, “As you put on your white coats today, you are not only marking a new beginning, but also signing a significant agreement. This promise to never stray from the light of science, to respect every living being, and to uphold the honor of your profession will be the foundation of your future journey. I believe your successes will be a source of hope for your country and the world.”

Sedef Yılmaz: “The love of Mehtap Hoca will always live in our hearts.”
Sedef Yılmaz began her speech by telling how she met Prof. Dr. Mehtapgül Altaş Atığ, saying, “Even when she was new at the faculty, she instilled confidence in us all with her sincerity and genuineness.” Yılmaz stated that she was deeply touched when Prof. Dr. Atığ shared that her mother’s wish was for her to come to Cyprus. She continued, “I was deeply touched by the fact that she shared such a special feeling with me. At that moment, I realized what a strong and loving person Mehtap was.”

Sedef Yılmaz emphasized the unforgettable love and understanding her teacher showed her students, saying, “Whenever I had a problem, Mehtap would see it in my face and come and ask how I was. She would be happy or sad as if she had experienced it herself. That’s why we all feel her absence so deeply today. Prof. Dr. Mehtap’s light and love will always live in our hearts.”