We Bid Farewell to the Class of 2025 with Our Commencement Ceremony as They Embark on Their New Journey

Özyeğin University’s Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation with the commencement ceremony on June 28, 2025. Held at the Çekmeköy Campus, our graduates and their families were accompanied at the general ceremony by our Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hüsnü M. Özyeğin, our President Prof. Barış Tan, members of our Board of Trustees, and our faculty members led by our deans. Over 7400 ÖzU members came together on our campus on this enthusiastic day.

In his opening speech at the main ceremony, our President Prof. Barış Tan addressed our graduates with the following words: “Özyeğin University’s goal is to become an Entrepreneurial Research University with a High Global Impact, placing students, their transformation, and the excellence of their education and experience at the heart of its mission. We can only achieve this goal through your accomplishments, through the collective success of our graduates, whose number will soon exceed 13,500. Our true success will be measured by the graduates we cultivate: individuals who remain sensitive to the future of our world and our nation, who are inquisitive, productive, and committed to contributing to society while upholding the highest ethical standards. Your success will always be our success. As graduates shaped by the values of Özyeğin University and inspired by the enduring legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who once declared, ‘My legacy is science and reason.’ Let science be your foundation, and let reason and conscience guide your path. I embrace you with heartfelt affection on this special day of your commencement. On behalf of the entire Özyeğin University family, I extend my warmest congratulations to each of you and to your families and loved ones who have supported you every step of the way. Wishing you good luck and all the best!”

Following his speech, our President Prof. Barış Tan introduced Prof. Mehmet Toner, Member of the Board of Trustees at Özyeğin University, for his commencement address. Prof. Toner stated, “A diploma is not only a certificate of achievement, but also a testament to responsibility. For our students, now is the time to use their knowledge for the benefit of others. The two most important compasses to guide them on this journey are kindness and compassion. I am confident that all our graduates will walk proudly into their future.”

Mr. Hüsnü M. Özyeğin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Özyeğin University, delivered a moving speech in the ceremony. Mr. Özyeğin remarked: “Dear Graduates of Özyeğin University. I believe in you. Because it is you who will make our country—and the world—a more just, prosperous, and livable place. So, be not only successful, but generous. Be not only strong, but compassionate. But above all, be a good person. Because there is no title more valuable or more honorable than that. Choose to be a good person today, and never give up on this goal. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. May your paths be bright and your futures full of light.”

Following the commencement addresses by Ozan Görkem, Salutatorian of Class of 2025 and Zehra Melis Gürsoy, Chair of Özyeğin University Alumni Association, doctoral graduates received their diplomas from their dissertation advisors.

The general ceremony was followed by concurrent faculty graduation ceremonies, held simultaneously with the speeches of our deans and faculty valedictorians. During these ceremonies, diplomas were awarded to all graduates, with special recognition given to master’s graduates and bachelor’s graduates who achieved honors and high honors distinctions.