Graduation Ceremony for the Top-Ranking Students in the 2025-2026 Academic Year was held with great enthusiasm and pride at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN). While achievement and hard work were rewarded during the ceremony organized for the students who graduated with honors, emotional moments were experienced.
The program held at Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center was attended by Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, Chairman of Judicial Commission of the Courthouse Birtan Şeker, Zonguldak Administrative Court President Mehmet Sümen, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Senate members, academic and administrative staff, students and their families.
Starting with a moment of silence and singing of the National Anthem, the program continued with a musical performance by State Conservatory students.
Moving Speech from the Top-Ranking Student of the University
Taking the floor as the top-ranking student of the university at the Department of Psychology at the Teoman Duralı Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lütfullah Kılıç shared his joy of graduation during his speech that earned widespread applause.
Emphasizing his pleasure for a separate graduation ceremony for the top-ranking students, Kılıç extended his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and university administration. Highlighting the memorable moments of his university life, Kılıç commemorated his friend, Emir Can Uslu, who lost his life in the earthquake disaster, with mercy, longing, and gratitude. Reciting the words of Atatürk “Science is the truest guide in life” at the end of his speech, Kılıç wished success all his graduating friends.
Rector Özölçer: “Success Belongs to Those Who Work Hard”
In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated the following on the success of the top-ranking graduates:
“Today, we are glad to be with you sharing the joy and excitement of the top-ranking graduates.
As Rumi, who has guided humanity for centuries with his ideas, stated “A person earns what he works for.” Each student here represents the best example of this quote, completing their education ranking in the top. Success belongs to those who work hard. Without sacrifice, without being sleep deprived or believing in the goals, it is not possible to reach the top.
We try to raise students who are not only well-established professionally but as individuals who think, research, and add value to our country and humanity. We provide our students with most up-to-date information in their theoretical and hands-on training courses through our specialist academics. I would like to state the following before I conclude my words:
You begin a new chapter in your lives receiving your diplomas. We are glad that you step into the professional life as a graduate of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University with a deep-rooted history. Always keep your education, professional information and sense of responsibility with you. Set an example for those following you. Have mercy in your hearts and science on your way. We love you and are proud of you. I wholeheartedly believe that you will represent our university in all the positions you hold. Wishing you a bright future, an open path, and lasting success.
Top Student Nailed His Name Plaque on the Ceremonial Log
Following the speeches, top ranking student of the BEUN 2025-2026 Academic Year Lütfullah Kılıç nailed his name plaque on the ceremonial log with the participation of Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and his family. Then top student Lütfullah Kılıç, second-ranking student Melike Nur Bulut- a student at the Department of Counseling and Psychological Guidance at the Ereğli Faculty of Education, and Perihan Ecem Çıtlak- a student at the Faculty of Medicine- were presented with plaques, certificates of achievement and gifts.
Sapling Certificates for Top-Ranking Students
As part of the program, top ranking students were presented with certificates of sapling donations in their names by their deans and directors. Then students took their oaths accompanied by Head of the Department of History Prof. Dr. Yücel Namal.
Students Were Sent off to Their New Lives Tossing Their Caps
Following the oath ceremony, students tossed their caps sharing their joy with their families and professors. During the ceremony full of applause for the top-ranking students, concluded with a commemorative photo.
