Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted Ahmet Şerif İzgören, Turkish author who has books on personal development and the founder of İzgören Academy. During an event held on 6 – 7 March 2025 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, İzgören delivered a seminar titled “Hayata Değer Vermek – Valuing Life”.
Commencing with opening speeches, the first session of the seminar was held with the participation of EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Rector’s Office Coordinators, Administrative Directors, Faculty Deans, Department Chairs, academic and administrative personnel and, many students.
“A Huge Opportunity for the Participants”
In his opening address, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed the university’s contentment on once again hosting Ahmet Şerif İzgören at the Eastern Mediterranean University. Noting that İzgören served as an academic staff member at EMU who had delivered various seminars at the university, Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized this seminar would be a huge opportunity for the participants. Stating that the said seminar would highlight how education goes beyond simply conveying information, as educators play a crucial role in inspiring young generations and guiding their lives. Prof. Dr. Kılıç underscored that such events support both personal growth and societal advancement. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization of the event and sincerely thanked Ahmet Şerif İzgören for his valuable insights.
“Your Fighting Spirit, Honesty, Morals and Discipline is the Path to Your Success”
Taking the stage following EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç, Ahmet Şerif İzgören emphasized the path to success is through the combination of right thoughts and actions by saying; “The points where thought and action intersects are crucial. What you do is not important, however how you do that is important”. Sharing success stories with the participants, İzgören expressed; “Your fighting spirit, honesty, morals and discipline is the path to your success”, stressing the significant guiding role of these values. Noting that the education quality of EMU has the power to impact the sense of education all around the island. İzgören said; “EMU is the cornerstone of education in here. If you enhance education here, you will concurrently advance the quality of education around the island”. Furthermore, İzgören underlined that educators are guides shaping the lives of youth and that the opportunities EMU offers do not only support their personal developments but also the social advancement.
On the second day of the event, principals, assistant principals and school counsellors operating under the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ministry of Education, Department of General Secondary Education and Department of Occupational Technical Education attended the seminar. During this session, the role of educators and ways of inspiring young generations were discussed.
During the seminar, Ahmet Şerif İzgören provided valuable insights on personal development, leadership and methods for creating a difference in education. At the end of the events, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç presented Ahmet Şerif İzgören a plaque and a souvenir. The event concluded with a photo shoot.