Istinye University's 2023 Graduation Ceremony, celebrated with great enthusiasm, took place on June 20, 2023, at the Turkcell Vadi Open-Air Stage in two sessions. This special event brought together thousands of graduating students and their families, along with the participation of Istinye University's Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Muharrem Usta, Istinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş, Board of Trustees Members, and distinguished academics.
Istinye University's 2023 Graduation Ceremony, which was joyfully celebrated, took place in two sessions at the Turkcell Vadi Open-Air Stage on June 20, 2023. Thousands of graduating students and their families were hosted at this special event, which was attended by Istinye University's Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Muharrem Usta, Istinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş, Board of Trustees Members, and esteemed academics.
During the ceremony, held in the magnificent atmosphere of the Turkcell Vadi Open-Air Stage, undergraduate and associate degree students who graduated in 2023 celebrated their graduation with great pride and excitement. Istinye University graduates experienced great happiness on this meaningful day as they took new steps towards their future.
The ceremony began with the National Anthem and a moment of silence, followed by a speech by Istinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş addressing the graduates. Quoting Victor Hugo's "Life is work," the Rector expressed his satisfaction with the perseverance, effort, and achievements demonstrated by the students throughout their university lives. He also advised the graduating students to remain determined in reaching their future goals and to make the most of their education in this new phase of their lives.
The second session of the ceremony was marked by a remarkable speech by Dr. Muharrem Usta, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istinye University. Dr. Usta emphasized the importance of not only academic achievements but also values such as character development, leadership, and social responsibility. He also advised the students to continue their journey equipped as privileged graduates of Istinye University, to become influential individuals in the business world and society. Highlighting the motto of "never giving up," Dr. Usta conveyed the message that those who embark on this path will succeed in every moment of life, even in times of loss. His speech, which included excerpts from his own early youth, motivated both the young graduates and their families, whose excitement and aspirations for their future goals were ever-rising:
“Dear graduates and esteemed families, it brings me great joy to see the sparkle in your eyes here today. I am sure that since the day you opened the doors of Istinye University, you have faced many challenges and overcome numerous obstacles. Life may sometimes test you with difficult periods. Perhaps one day you will fail in achieving your goals or not reach the desired outcome. However, remember that learning from your losses is the key to coming back stronger. Do not let your losses discourage you, but let them motivate you even more. Always keep in mind that every failure is an opportunity to move one step closer to success.”
Dr. Muharrem Usta, our Chairman of the Board of Trustees, concluded his speech, which was eagerly listened to by the audience consisted of proud parents, faculty members, and fellow students, with the following words: "Dear graduates and dear families, today I am proud of you as well, and I have great hopes for your future. With the responsibility that comes with graduating from Istinye University and as a member of the Istinye family, defy all the difficulties in life: Believe me, each and every one of you holds the key to a successful future. And surely, in the future, you will remember the education you received here and think, 'I am a part of the Istinye University family,' and you will be proud that our paths have crossed. I wish you all nothing but great success."
F. Rana Denkdemir, who graduated with honors from Istinye University's Pharmacy program as a valedictorian, received a great applause with her inspiring speech about being a mother, a pharmacy student from a different discipline, and a member of the Istinye community.
Throughout the ceremony, the academicians who took their place on stage felt the pride of witnessing the achievements of the students who excelled academically. After the symbolic presentation of diplomas to our graduates, our academic staff congratulated each graduate in their respective departments and conveyed heartfelt wishes for their futures. As our graduates shared these unforgettable moments with their families and loved ones, they experienced a mixture of pride, joy, and sadness, which collectively form the emotional entirety brought by graduation.
The ceremony not only celebrated the graduates' completion of their studies with knowledge and skills but also provided them with a new starting point. This journey, which they embarked on as humble students of Istinye University, sent them off as citizens, individuals, and future leaders shaping society in the 100th year of the Republic of Türkiye. Each of our graduates realized the pride of reaping the rewards of their efforts while also recognizing the infinite possibilities ahead to shape their future.
Following the permission given by Prof. Dr. Peyami Çelikcan, Vice Rector of Istinye University, for students to throw their caps in the air, the Istinye University 2023 Graduation Ceremony became a source of special strength, not only closing a chapter in the students' university lives but also inspiring our graduates and their cherished families to look hopefully towards the future and take courageous steps towards their goals.
