Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University hosted another important program contributing to the academic, social, and intellectual development of young people. The “İhtisas Academy” program, organized under the coordination of the Turkish Youth Foundation and hosted by BEUN with the participation of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen, was held with strong attendance.
Deputy Minister Gümen Visited Rector Özölçer
Prior to the program, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen visited the Rector of BEUN, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, in his office.
The meeting held at the Rectorate was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal and Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Zonguldak Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Nihat Ağan, TÜGVA Zonguldak Provincial Chairman Yusuf İslam Karakurt, and ministry representatives.
During the meeting, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer thanked Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen and the accompanying delegation for their kind visit and provided information about the national and international academic achievements attained by Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University in recent years. Rector Özölçer also made evaluations regarding the University’s scientific productivity, as well as social, cultural, historical, and sporting projects carried out in cooperation with public institutions and the private sector, along with initiatives contributing to the multidimensional development of students.
The visit concluded with the exchange of mutual good wishes and a commemorative photo session. Following the visit, the delegation proceeded to the conference hall to attend the “İhtisas Academy” program.
Strong Interest from Young People in the Program
The program, held at the Doç. Dr. Ali Arslan Conference Hall on Farabi Campus, was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal and Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz, Zonguldak Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Nihat Ağan, academic and administrative staff, TÜGVA officials, and many students.
The program began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, the singing of the National Anthem, and the screening of a promotional video. Opening speeches then followed.
Rector Özölçer: “We Prepare Our Young People Not Only for Professional Life but Also for the Future”
In his opening speech, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer emphasized that universities are not merely institutions preparing young people for professional life, but also centers of knowledge and wisdom shaping their intellectual worlds. He stated the following:
“Today, we are delighted to come together with our esteemed Minister on the occasion of this valuable program, which we believe will contribute to the intellectual world of our young people, broaden their horizons, and prepare them more strongly for the future of our country. As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we do not merely prepare our students for their professional careers. We adopt the principle of raising each of our dear students as individuals who think, question, produce, and add value. With this understanding, we consider it an extremely important duty to bring our students together with visionary figures who are highly distinguished in their fields, to broaden their horizons and inspire their career journeys. With these feelings and thoughts, I would like to express my gratitude to our esteemed Minister, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen, for honoring us with his presence. I also thank everyone who contributed to the organization of this program, especially the Turkish Youth Foundation family, our esteemed provincial and district dignitaries, our students, the distinguished members of the press, and all our guests.”
Deputy Minister Gümen Answered Questions from Young People
Following the opening speeches, the program continued with a question-and-answer session moderated by TÜGVA Zonguldak Provincial Chairman Yusuf İslam Karakurt. Responding to questions from students, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen shared his experiences ranging from his university years and academic career to his public service and his tenure as deputy minister.
Making evaluations regarding activities carried out in the fields of agriculture, livestock, food safety, and sustainable production, Gümen drew attention to the importance of young people taking part in production-oriented projects and contributing to the vision of domestic development. He also provided information on the support offered by the Ministry for young entrepreneurs and production-oriented initiatives, emphasizing that young people will play a decisive role in Türkiye’s future.
Program Concluded with a Commemorative Photograph
The highly attended program concluded with a gift presentation ceremony and a group commemorative photo session following the question-and-answer segment. During the event, which attracted great interest from young people, students had the opportunity to meet and converse with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen.
