Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) 2025-2026 Academic Year Faculty of Maritime and Karadeniz Ereğli Faculty of Tourism Graduation Ceremony was held with great participation and pride. The graduates of two significant faculties, which provide Türkiye with qualified human resources it needs in the fields of maritime and tourism, witnessed unforgettable moments along with their families and professors when they took their oaths and tossed their caps.
The ceremony was attended by Karadeniz Ereğli Chief Public Prosecutor Mustafa Erbaş, Karadeniz Ereğli Chair of the Justice Commisson Çelebi tetik, BEUN Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Senate members, city dignitaries, academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.
Beginning following a moment of silence and singing of the National Anthem, the program continued with a musical performance.
A Meaningful Speech from the Faculty of Maritime Valedictorian Durğut
Top ranking graduate of Faculty of Maritime Yağmur Durğut gave a speech on behalf of all students in the program. Expressing that the education she received at BEUN didn’t just provide her with information but a strong vision, Durğut expressed her gratitude to her family who has always supported her during her journey, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, university administration, and her professors. Emphasizing the pride she feels to graduate, Durğut wished success to her friends.
Dean Çelikoğlu: “Today is not an End, But a New Beginning”
The Dean of Faculty of Maritime Prof. Dr. Şaban Çelikoğlu emphasized in his speech that graduation is not the end of the education phase, but the beginning of new goals.
Expressing that students were rewarded for their efforts during this long and difficult journey, Prof. Dr. Çelikoğlu stated the following:
“Each of you deserved this success with your dedication, efforts, and determination. This is the beginning of big responsibilities you will take on in the future. Never give up on your dreams. On this occasion, I would like to thank everyone, particularly Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, for their support and wish success, health, and happiness to all graduates.”
An Emotional Talk from Faculty of Tourism Valedictorian Daldal
Karadeniz Ereğli Tourism Faculty Valedictorian Nilay Daldal stated that she shares the graduation joy with her friends in her speech. Expressing that her education at the faculty had made a significant contribution to both her academic and personal development, Daldal extended her thanks to her family, friends, professors, and Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who had always supported them.
Emphasizing that they were graduating as well-equipped professionals in the field of tourism, Daldal stated that she believed they would achieve significant success in their careers with the knowledge and vision they had gained at BEUN, and she congratulated all graduates.
Dean Yıldız: “I Sincerely Congratulate All Our Graduates”
Prof. Dr. Avni Yıldız, Dean of the Karadeniz Ereğli Faculty of Tourism, stated that tourism is not only an economic field of activity but also an important value that builds bridges between cultures. Drawing attention to the people-oriented nature of the tourism sector, Prof. Dr. Yıldız thanked BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his support of both the university’s development and the faculty, and congratulated the graduating students and their families.
Prof. Dr. Karasu: “Our University Educates Young People Who Are Building Türkiye’s Future”
Delivering the keynote speech of the ceremony, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu stated that Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, with its more than a century-long history, has made significant contributions to Türkiye’s scientific and educational life. Emphasizing that the university today educates the qualified workforce needed by the country in many fields ranging from maritime studies and tourism to healthcare and social sciences, Karasu said:
“Our University, which opened its doors to the world of science 102 years ago with engineering education, continues today to educate young people who will shape the future of our country and humanity. We are experiencing the great joy of sending our graduates from the Faculties of Maritime Studies and Tourism to serve our nation. As I conclude my remarks, I would like to extend my thanks to all our colleagues who contributed to the organization of this wonderful ceremony, especially our Rector, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer. I wish our students health, happiness, and success in the next chapter of their lives.”
Outstanding Students Honored
Following the speeches, plaques and certificates of achievement were presented to Yağmur Durğut, valedictorian of the Faculty of Maritime Studies, and Nilay Daldal, valedictorian of the Karadeniz Ereğli Faculty of Tourism.
Certificates of achievement were also awarded to Mustafa Kalaycı, the Faculty of Maritime Studies’ second-place graduate, and Emre Yılmaz, its third-place graduate, as well as Ömer Acar, the Faculty of Tourism’s second-place graduate, and Dilan Armut, its third-place graduate.
Their Names Were Inscribed on the Commemorative Log
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the traditional ceremonial log inscription ceremony for the faculty valedictorians. Yağmur Durğut, valedictorian of the Faculty of Maritime Studies, and Nilay Daldal, valedictorian of the Karadeniz Ereğli Faculty of Tourism, together with their families, nailed plaques bearing their names to the ceremonial log, leaving a lasting mark on the university’s history.
Tossing Their Caps, They Set Sail for a New Chapter in Life
The program continued with the presentation of symbolic diplomas to the graduates, followed by the graduation oath ceremony. After taking the oath, the students joyfully tossed their caps into the air, sharing their graduation excitement with their families, friends, and academics. The graduation ceremony concluded with commemorative photographs taken to mark the occasion.
