Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Board of Trustees has organised a Ceremony of Appreciation for the former presidents and members of the Board of Trustees who have served since the day EMU was transformed from a High Technology Institute into a state university with the statute passed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Parliament in 1986. The event took place at EMU Beach Club on Thursday, 20 October, 2022, at 18:00, with the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar. Also present at the ceremony were the TRNC Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, National Unity Party Famagusta MPs Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu and Hakan Dinçyürek, EMU Board of Trustees President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, Members of the Board of Trustees and Vice Rectors, as well as the former presidents, members and staff of the EMU Board of Trustees.
“EMU Has Reached the Present Day With Great Success”
The ceremony started with the opening speeches. Ahmet Aker, who served as the first president of the EMU Board of Trustees between 1986-1987, stated in his speech that he has been closely following the stages that EMU has gone through since its establishment. Noting that they planned EMU as a national institution, Aker stated that the university has achieved great success as the shining star of the Eastern Mediterranean. Noting that the number of students at EMU has increased more than they expected, Aker said that he is happy to have students from many different countries studying at EMU.
“We Act with a Common Management Vision”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın expressed his pleasure to be together with the President and members of the Board of Trustees, who have made great efforts in the development of EMU. Stating that the point EMU has reached since its foundation is really satisfactory, Prof. Dr. Hocanın provided information about the international achievements of the university, its infrastructure and goals. Prof. Dr. Hocanın also thanked the current President and members of the Board of Trustees and added that the Rector’s Office and the Board of Trustees act with a common management vision.
“We Will Add New Successes To The Successes For Which You Have Laid The Foundations”
EMU Board of Trustees President Dr. Erdal Özcenk stated that EMU is the pearl of the TRNC, the locomotive of higher education and the apple of the eye of the city of Famagusta, and stated that they organized this night of appreciation to honor their friends who have served in the EMU Board of Trustees. Stating that EMU has gone beyond the borders of the country for 43 years and made itself known to the world in the international arena with its quality, Dr. Özcenk emphasized that the institution has become an international education center. Dr. Özcenk said “You laid the foundations; We promise that we will continue our self-sacrificing efforts so that our university, shining like a star, will carry the torch of science to the world by adding success to its achievements.”
“I wish EMU continued success”
TRNC Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu stated that when EMU is mentioned, everyone knows that TRNC's most popular university is referred to. Stating that EMU's achievements in world rankings make them proud, Minister Çavuşoğlu thanked everyone who contributed to the successful achievements of EMU. Talking about the latest developments and goals in the TRNC higher education field, Minister Çavuşoğlu wished EMU continued success.
“EMU’s Success is the Country’s Success”
TRNC President Ersin Tatar started his speech at the event by expressing his pleasure for being present at this very meaningful night. President Tatar pointed out that the number of 69 thousand graduates brought up to date is a very large number. Expressing that despite the embargo and restrictions facing the country, EMU's success is everyone's success. President Tatar also thanked those who contributed. Stating that the success of EMU should be considered as a great service and gain to the country, President Tatar also added that Famagusta has gained added value with the opening of Maraş. Pointing out that the increase in student flow at EMU in recent years and the admission of qualified students from third countries is a very important development for the university, President Tatar wanted national values to be protected more and said that EMU should also be placed amongst national values.
After the speeches, TRNC President Ersin Tatar and Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu presented a plaque to the former presidents who served on the EMU Board of Trustees. Certificates of appreciation were also presented by Dr. Erdal Özcenk. Afterwards, President Dr. Özcenk presented the former members of the Board of Trustees plaques and certificates of appreciation. While President Özcenk was presented with a plaque by President Ersin Tatar, his certificate of appreciation was presented to him by one of the former presidents, Dr. Özkan Korun. At the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ata Atun received a plaque and a certificate of appreciation for his father Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakkı Atun. Prof. Dr. Ata Atun also talked about his father's memories about the foundation years of EMU. At the same time, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın's father Yusuf Ziya Hocanın was also amongst the members who received a plaque and a certificate of appreciation.