The 2025–2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony of the Ereğli Faculty of Education at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) was held with great pride and enthusiasm. Emotional moments were experienced during the ceremony, where future teachers were sent off to begin their professional careers, while students and their families shared the joy of graduation and enjoyed an unforgettable day together.
The ceremony was attended by AK Party Zonguldak Deputy Saffet Bozkurt, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, members of the Senate, academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.
The program began with a moment of silence in memory of the nation's martyrs and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the screening of the university’s introductory film.
An Emotional Speech from Faculty Valedictorian Bulut
Taking the podium as the valedictorian of the faculty, Melike Nur Bulut, a graduate of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Program, stated that graduation is not only an ending but also the beginning of new journeys. Expressing the excitement and pride of being at one of the most meaningful turning points in their lives, Bulut noted that the knowledge, experience, and determination they gained during their years as students would serve as important guides in overcoming the challenges they may encounter in the future. Wishing to bring hope to humanity in their professional lives and never compromise on ethical values, Bulut thanked her family, friends, teachers, and academics who contributed to her success and wished all her fellow graduates success throughout their lives.
Dean Azar: “We Are Educating Visionary Teachers of the Future”
Following the valedictorian’s speech, Prof. Dr. Ali Azar, Dean of the Ereğli Faculty of Education, delivered the opening address. He stated that the Faculty of Education is not only an institution that trains teachers, but also a long-established center of learning that raises the architects of generations who will shape the country’s future.
Expressing his belief that the graduating students would make significant contributions to the country’s educational system in their professional lives, Prof. Dr. Azar extended his gratitude to all academics, especially Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, for their support in the development of both the students and the faculty. Emphasizing the dedicated efforts of academics and the sacrifices of families, Azar wished that the graduation would bring blessings and success for all students.
Rector Özölçer: “Today’s Graduates Will Educate the Generations of Tomorrow”
Taking the podium to deliver his remarks on the significance of the day, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that the graduating students were not only receiving their diplomas but also undertaking a great responsibility, and expressed the following:
“Today, we share the happiness and pride of being together at the Graduation Ceremony of our Faculty of Education. It is an undeniable fact that graduation ceremonies are not merely the end of a chapter. They are, in fact, important turning points where new doors are opened. Each of our graduates will one day touch the life of a child, broaden the horizons of a young person, and help shape the future of society through their professional careers. For this reason, the diplomas they receive will not only be certificates of a profession but also symbols of a great responsibility and a sacred duty.
Established in 1924, our University has pioneered the development of our country through engineering education and has contributed to Türkiye’s future with nearly 110,000 graduates. Today, it continues to educate young people who will serve their country and humanity in many fields, from education and healthcare to engineering and social sciences. With this understanding, we take great pride in adding our teacher candidates, who have successfully completed their undergraduate education, to our nation’s strong educational workforce.
On this occasion, I would like to sincerely thank the families who have played the greatest role in helping our students reach this day. Likewise, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed academics who have prepared our students for their professional lives through knowledge, dedication, and selfless effort. I would also like to express my appreciation to AK Party Zonguldak Deputy Mr. Saffet Bozkurt, who has honored us with his presence today and has always stood by our University and our city through his support.
As I conclude my remarks, I would like to emphasize that our dear graduates are stepping into a new chapter of their lives as they receive their diplomas today. We are proud that they will embark on this journey as graduates of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, an institution with a century-long and distinguished history. Dear young people, wherever you go, let knowledge be your guide and never depart from compassion. We love you very much and will always be proud of you. I wish you all a healthy, peaceful, and successful life filled with achievements.”
MP Bozkurt: “Graduates of Our University Are Writing Success Stories Across Türkiye”
Following Rector Özölçer’s speech, AK Party Zonguldak Deputy Saffet Bozkurt took the podium and congratulated the graduating students, offering his best wishes for their future success. Emphasizing that Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University is one of Türkiye’s most prestigious higher education institutions with a history spanning more than a century, Bozkurt stated that its graduates have taken on important roles throughout the country.
Highlighting that BEUN is a source of pride for both Zonguldak and Türkiye with its academic achievements, strong educational infrastructure, and qualified human resources, Bozkurt expressed his belief that the graduating students would continue this tradition of success. He also extended his gratitude to the university administration, academic and administrative staff, especially Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, for their efforts in organizing the ceremony, and wished the graduates success in their professional lives.
Top Graduate Places Name on Ceremonial Log
Following the speeches, Melike Nur Bulut, the top graduate of the Ereğli Faculty of Education for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, placed a plaque with her name onto the ceremonial log in the presence of her family. As part of the program, Bulut was awarded a plaque and a certificate of achievement, while second-ranked graduates Ayşenur Pirdal and Semanur Orhan, along with third-ranked Övgü Yanar, also received their certificates of achievement.
Graduation Oath and Cap Toss Celebration
The ceremony continued with symbolic diploma presentations by faculty members to the graduating students. This was followed by the graduation oath, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin, Director of the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Application Center. After the oath, students celebrated their graduation with great excitement by tossing their caps into the air, sharing the joy with their families, friends, and professors. Emotional moments were experienced as the future teachers, now ready for their new lives, left the hall accompanied by applause. The program concluded after commemorative photos were taken to mark the occasion.
