Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Pharmacy organized an oath taking ceremony for its graduating students on Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Faculty of Pharmacy Green Hall.
The ceremony commenced with observation of a Moment of Silence and National Anthem, followed by a musical performance by EMU Faculty of Pharmacy student Şahnaz Gökel and musician Yüksel Günay Bilgeer. Present at the ceremony were the 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, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Ozan Gülcan, Dean of EMU Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Dean of EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, the Vice Deans of Faculty of Pharmacy, Department Chairs, academics and graduates.
The program continued with the speeches of 2025 – 2026 Academic Year Fall Semester top ranking student of M.Pharm Yelda Demirkap and top ranking student of Pharm-D program Ailin Kor. Then, the ceremony continued with presentation of awards to Demirkap and Kor by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe.
“A Comprehensive Academic Journey”
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, Dean of EMU Faculty of Pharmacy, highlighted that pharmacy education extends far beyond earning a diploma, representing a comprehensive academic journey marked by dedication, discipline, and perseverance. He noted that graduates who have completed a high-quality theoretical and practical education in line with international standards are prepared as pharmacists who uphold professional ethics, embrace continuous improvement, and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility. Prof. Dr. Gülcan emphasized that, amid rapidly advancing healthcare systems and technological innovations, graduates are well equipped to contribute to and shape future pharmacy practices. Underscoring the pharmacy profession’s longstanding and vital role in protecting human health, he expressed his belief that graduates will honor their professional oath, provide healing and value to society, and act as committed ambassadors of EMU and its Faculty of Pharmacy on the international stage.
“To Represent the Values and Ethical Integrity of Eastern Mediterranean University”
Also making an address at the event, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy are equipped not only with professional expertise, but also with strong ethical principles, a deep sense of responsibility, and an understanding of the impact their work has on human lives. Emphasizing the pharmacy profession’s distinctive role in healthcare as a source of trust, hope, and moral responsibility, Prof. Dr. Kılıç pointed out that Alexander Fleming’s decision to share penicillin with humanity underscores the importance of science-led progress and placing people at the heart of all endeavors. He stated that by taking their professional oath, graduates formally embarked on their careers and will henceforth represent the values and ethical integrity of Eastern Mediterranean University in every step they take. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded by wishing the graduates a career marked by success, good health, and honor.
“View Medicine as More Than a Product—As Hope and Life”
In a message sent to the graduates, EMU Board of Trustees President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, who was unable to attend the ceremony, stressed that by taking their professional oath, the graduates are assuming a profound responsibility that directly impacts human lives. He described pharmacy as an honorable profession where knowledge is guided by conscience and science is united with respect for human dignity, emphasizing that medicines should be seen not merely as commercial products, but as symbols of hope and life. Dr. Özcenk reminded the graduates never to compromise scientific principles or professional ethics, and expressed his complete confidence in them, stating his belief that wherever their careers may take them, they will proudly carry the name and values of Eastern Mediterranean University.
The ceremony continued with EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, and EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici presenting certificates to students and their advisors who achieved distinction in the Fall Semester Graduation Poster Presentations. Following the presentation of certificates, the program continued with a special photo slideshow showcasing memorable moments from the graduates’ academic journey. The ceremony concluded as EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Vice Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. Jale Yüzügülen led the graduates in the recitation of the Pharmacy Oath.
