The Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) 2025–2026 Academic Year Teoman Duralı Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduation Ceremony was held with great pride and excitement. Emotional moments were experienced during the graduation ceremony of the Teoman Duralı Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, which contributes to educating the qualified human resources needed by Türkiye in the fields of humanities and social sciences, while students and their families shared the joy of crowning years of hard work and dedication.

The ceremony, held at the Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center, was attended by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, 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.

An Emotional and Meaningful Speech from Faculty Valedictorian Kılıç

Lütfullah Kılıç, a Psychology Department student who graduated as the top student of the Teoman Duralı Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, shared his thoughts and feelings with the participants in a speech delivered on behalf of all graduates. Stating that it was a great honor for him to be at the podium on this meaningful day on behalf of his fellow graduates, Kılıç thanked his family, academics, friends, and the university administration for their support throughout his university years. Expressing his gratitude, especially to BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and everyone who contributed to the organization of the graduation ceremony, Kılıç emphasized that university education not only provides academic knowledge but also fosters a culture of collaboration, productivity, and solidarity.

In his speech, Kılıç also highlighted the importance of friendships and university life and commemorated with mercy, longing, and gratitude his classmate Emre Can Uslu, who supported him when he first started university and later lost his life in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş. His remarks that they would have been sharing the joy of graduation together today had he been alive created emotional moments in the hall. Recalling the words of the founder of the Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “Science is the truest guide in life,” Kılıç stated that they would continue to move forward under the guidance of science and reason and wished all his fellow graduates a future filled with health, happiness, and success.

Dean Geniş: “Humanities and Social Sciences Are a Force That Shapes the Future”

Following the faculty valedictorian, Dean of the Teoman Duralı Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Melih Geniş, took the floor and shared his evaluations regarding the faculty’s academic achievements, scientific studies, and contributions to society.

Stating that the faculty, which successfully continues its educational activities through its Departments of Archaeology, Psychology, Sociology, English Language and Literature, Turkish Language and Literature, Philosophy, and History, is growing stronger with each passing day, Geniş emphasized that students are equipped not only with professional knowledge but also with a sense of social responsibility, critical thinking skills, and human values. Expressing his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his contributions to the development of the faculty and his student-oriented approach, Geniş congratulated the graduating students and wished them success in the new chapter of their lives.