Eastern Mediterranean University 2014-2015 Academic Year Opening Ceremony took place at EMU Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tahiroğlu Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 21 October 2014. As part of the opening ceremony, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) Chair Prof. Dr. Hüseyin GÖKÇEKUŞ delivered the first lesson of the academic year.
The ceremony started with a moment of silence and the national anthem which was followed by a short concert by EMU Education Faculty, Fine Arts Education Department, Music Teaching Program academic staff members Dilşad Asadova and Şefkat Sağlamer. During his opening address, EMU Rector (a.) Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam extended his best wishes to everyone and stated that education is an important undertaking which necessitates effort, patience, a long period of study and focus. Stressing the fact that the fundamental target in education is success, Prof. Dr. Osam expressed the importance of education. Prof. Dr. Osam also put forth that studying in EMU should not only be associated with receiving education as the university supports the social and cultural development of the students.
Following Prof. Dr. Osam’s address, TRNC YÖDAK Chair Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekuş delivered the first lesson of the academic year entitled “The University Concept throughout the World and the Past, Present and Future of the Higher Education in TRNC”. Upon the completion of Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekuş’ presentation, Rector Prof. Dr. Osam presented him a silver plate.
Among notable attendees to the ceremony were TRNC Ministry of Education Undersecretary Rauf Ataöz, Higher Education and External Relations Department Director Ziya Öztürkler, Mayor of Famagusta and Chair of EMU Board of Trustees İsmail Arter, members of Board of Trustees, vice rectors, deans, department chairs, academic and administrative staff and students.