The Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) 2025–2026 Academic Year Faculty of Engineering Graduation Ceremony witnessed moments filled with emotion, pride, and excitement. With its deep-rooted history spanning more than a century, BEUN, one of Türkiye’s leading institutions in engineering education, sent off its young engineers, who will contribute to the scientific, technological, and industrial advancement of both the country and the world, to a new chapter of their lives.
The ceremony, held at the Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center, was attended by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer; Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu and Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal; Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu; Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz; senate members; academic and administrative staff; students; and their families.
The program began with a moment of silence in memory of the nation's revered martyrs and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, and continued with the speech of the faculty valedictorian.
A Meaningful Farewell and Message of Gratitude from Faculty Valedictorian Akdeniz
Atakan Rıza Akdeniz, who graduated as the top student of the Faculty of Engineering, shared his thoughts and feelings with the participants in a speech delivered on behalf of all graduates. Stating that success is built upon perseverance, discipline, and determination, Akdeniz emphasized that engineering education had provided them not only with professional knowledge but also with the ability to think analytically, solve problems, and persevere in the face of challenges. On behalf of all graduates, Akdeniz thanked Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for the support he had provided to students throughout their university years and for his efforts toward the development of the university. He also expressed his gratitude to the academics who guided them with their knowledge and experience throughout their education and to their families who stood by them under all circumstances. At the conclusion of his speech, Akdeniz recalled the words of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “My spiritual legacy is science and reason,” and concluded by congratulating all of his fellow graduates.
Dean Karasu: “We Are Educating the Engineers Who Will Build Our Country’s Future”
Following the faculty valedictorian, Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, took the podium and shared his evaluations regarding the faculty’s academic activities and the qualified human resources it educates. Emphasizing the university’s 102-year-long history rooted in engineering education, Karasu stated that BEUN continues to educate young people who will contribute to the future of both the country and humanity. Noting that today is not only a graduation day but also a meaningful occasion on which engineers who will shape the future of the country take their first steps into professional life, Karasu recalled the words of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “Science and technology are the truest guides in life,” and congratulated the graduating students. Karasu also expressed his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his contributions to the development of the faculty and his student-oriented approach.
Rector Özölçer: “We Are Sending Off a Generation Whose Achievements in Science, Technology, and Sports Make Us Proud”
Taking the podium to deliver his speech on the meaning and importance of the day, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer drew attention to the place of engineering education in the university’s founding story and stated:
“Our University, whose origins date back to 1924 and which opened its doors to the academic community as the School of Mining Engineering, builds a bridge from the past to the future through its deep-rooted history and takes pride in having educated tens of thousands of graduates. Aware of Ibn Sina’s words, ‘Science and art migrate from places where they are not appreciated,’ I would also like to recognize our distinguished students, whose achievements make us proud and who will shortly receive their awards.
Last month, our Computer Engineering students Muhammed Yörük, Betül Yılmaz, Duygu Kaçar, and Fatih Emre İşgören successfully represented our university in the ‘Technology Leaders of Tomorrow’ competition with the project they developed. Likewise, our Computer Engineering student Yusuf Nas achieved a significant accomplishment on a global scale by identifying a critical security vulnerability in NASA systems and earned a place on NASA’s Honor Roll.
Our Electrical and Electronics Engineering student İsmail Hacı Bekar has proudly represented our university in the national and international sports community through his world, European, and Turkish championships in arm wrestling.
As both the Rector and a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering, I take great pride in the achievements our students have attained in science, technology, sports, and at TEKNOFEST competitions. With these thoughts, I congratulate each and every one of our valuable graduates and wish them success, health, and happiness.”
Akdeniz Hammered His Name Plaque on the Ceremonial Log
Following the speeches, 2025-2026 Academic Year Valedictorian of Faculty of Engineering Atakan Rıza Akdeniz nailed his name plaque on the ceremonial log in the presence of his family leaving a lasting mark on the history of the university. As part of the program, the top ranking student of the Faculty of Engineering Atakan Rıza Akdeniz, second ranking student Büşra Kart, and third-ranking student Önder Barutcu, were presented with plaques and certificates of achievement.
Graduation Oath and Cap Toss Celebration
The ceremony continued with the graduation oath. Young engineers took their oaths to be committed to scientific ethical principles, respect towards human life, and professional responsibilities. 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.
