Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) held its 2025-2026 Academic Year Fall Semester Postgraduate, Undergraduate and Associate Degree Graduation Ceremony on Friday, 30 January 2026 at 02:00 p.m. at Lala Mustafa Paşa Sports Complex. During the Fall Semester of the 2025–2026 Academic Year, EMU awarded 163 master’s and doctoral degrees and more than 700 associate and undergraduate degrees, bringing the University’s total number of graduates to over 78,000.
The ceremony was attended by Parliament Member Teberrüken Uluçay, Chairperson of Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, Bayrak Radio Television Corporation (BRTK) Board Chairperson Özdemir Tokel, YÖDAK Member Prof. Dr. Remziye Terkan, EMU Board of Trustees President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Ada Kent University Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Yorulmaz, Girne University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gökmen Dağlı, Board of Trustees Member İsmail Güneş Güneşoğlu, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, as well as EMU Secretary General Derviş Ekşici, along with university representatives, academics, students, and their families.
The ceremony began with the graduates’ entrance into the stadium accompanied by applause and music. Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, the program continued with a musical performance by Oud Artist Ahmet Sönmez and his ensemble. After the performance, flowers were presented to the artist and his team by EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu.
In the continuation of the program, speeches on behalf of the graduates were delivered by Mehmet Oktar Önder, a graduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Software Engineering and Founding President of the EMU Software and Artificial Intelligence Development Club; Buse Dülger, top graduate of the Faculty of Education, Department of English Language Teaching; Caleb Sakala, top graduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Software Engineering; and Oğuz Ufuk Haksever, a graduate of the International Relations PhD Program at the Faculty of Business and Economics. Following the speeches, the ceremony continued with protocol addresses after a symbolic tree-planting ceremony carried out by the graduate representatives.
“Our Graduates are Ambassadors of the University and the Country”
In his opening remarks, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that graduation signifies not merely the awarding of a diploma but also the assumption of a significant responsibility. He noted that graduates, equipped with the education they have received, will play meaningful roles as individuals contributing to society. Emphasizing that EMU has produced over 78,000 graduates since its establishment, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that alumni represent both the University and the country across the globe. Addressing the graduates, he underlined that life will often present choices between what is easy and what is right, stressing that genuine leadership is defined by taking responsibility in times of uncertainty, adhering to principles, and bravely choosing the right course of action. Noting that graduation is not a farewell but the beginning of a lifelong connection with EMU, Prof. Dr. Kılıç encouraged graduates to let honesty, justice, and responsibility guide them, and wished them continued success.
“A Lifelong Bond with Eastern Mediterranean University”
In his address, Erdal Özcenk, President of the Board of Trustees, emphasized that graduation represents not only an academic achievement but also the beginning of a new phase of life grounded in the commitment to uphold what is right and to assume responsibility. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Özcenk noted that while they may assume various positions and titles throughout their lives, they must never, under any circumstances, depart from the principles of law, justice, and conscience. He stressed the importance of defending what is right and fair rather than what is easy or popular. Dr. Özcenk pointed out that those who remain on the path of integrity may occasionally find themselves alone, yet they will never be judged unfavorably by history. He stressed that EMU and the country now need young people more than ever who act with knowledge, moral awareness, and courage. Congratulating families for raising individuals of strong character, Dr. Özcenk thanked the academic and administrative staff for their unwavering commitment to science and education despite challenging circumstances. He further underlined that Eastern Mediterranean University and the country need young individuals more than ever who act with knowledge, conscience, and courage. Congratulating families for raising individuals of strong character, Dr. Özcenk expressed his gratitude to the academic and administrative staff for their dedication to science and education despite challenging circumstances. Emphasizing that graduation is not a farewell but the beginning of a lifelong bond with Eastern Mediterranean University, Dr. Özcenk advised graduates to take the law as their compass and conscience as their guide, and wished them continued success.
“Graduates: True Stars of the Day”
In his address, Aykut Hocanın, Chairperson YÖDAK, emphasized that graduation is a meaningful and pride-filled occasion for both graduates and their families. Noting that the true stars of the day were the graduates, Prof. Dr. Hocanın congratulated them on their achievements.
Following the speeches, diplomas and awards were presented to the top graduates of faculties and departments by protocol members. The program proceeded with the presentation of diplomas to postgraduate graduates and awards to doctoral thesis supervisors, followed by the presentation of diplomas to undergraduate and associate degree graduates. The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cap toss after a countdown led by Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and the Vice Rectors.
