Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) 2018-2019 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony took place at the EMU Yasin Düşüner Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 July 2019. There was a remarkable turnout for the graduation ceremony during which 2,123 candidates from 51 different countries received their undergraduate and associate degrees. The said ceremony was broadcasted live by EMU TV as well as BRT Yaşam, Kıbrıs Genç TV, Ada TV and Kıbrıs TV. With increasing number of graduates each passing year, Eastern Mediterranean University’s number of graduates has come close to 60,000 in its 40th year.
Attended By Many Important Figures
The graduation ceremony was attended by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mustafa Akıncı and his wife Meral Akıncı, TRNC Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, Republic of Turkey Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, TRNC Minister of National Education and Culture Nazım Çavuşoğlu, TRNC Minister of Finance Olgun Amcaoğlu, TRNC Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dursun Oğuz, CTP Member of Parliament Erkut Şahali, UBP Member of Parliament Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, UBP Member of Parliament Resmiye Canaltay, UBP Member of Parliament Aytaç Çaluda, HP Member of Parliament Mesut Genç, Prime Ministry Undersecretary Suat Yeldener, EMU Board of Trustees President Boysan Boyra, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, Famagusta Mayor İsmail Arter, Representative of the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara Ahmed Monguno, TRNC Doha Representative Tayseer Al-Shanableh, Bologna University Representative and Law Faculty Dean Dr. Luca Mezzetti, international university representatives, government officials, vice rectors, deans, senate members, academic and administrative staff and graduate families.
The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish national anthem after the graduates took their places in the stadium. Then student speeches were delivered on behalf of graduates and a symbolic tree planting ceremony took place.
“You Received Top Quality Education”
Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam indicated his belief that graduates will have successful careers as a result of the top quality education they have received during their studies in EMU. Prof. Dr. Osam stated that the graduates have learned to protect local and universal values, to appreciate fellow human beings, to share, to overcome obstacles together, to value the lives of all living creatures, to respect rights and law, different cultures, religions, beliefs and traditions as well as to see every difference as the beauty of the universe during their time in the TRNC.
TRNC Minister of National Education and Culture Nazım Çavuşoğlu stated: “We are proud to be at the graduation ceremony taking place during the 40th year of our university which we see as the apple of our eye. What you have learned at EMU which was established 40 years ago by people of our country and is currently a world renowned university is of top importance. We are working to ensure that TRNC meets its new goal of 150 thousand students after the previous goal of 100 thousand students has been reached.”
“I Believe That You Will Be Successful”
During his speech, TRNC Prime Minister Ersin Tatar stated: “I graduated exactly 40 years ago. You will serve the humanity, your country and the world. I sincerely believe that you will be successful. I would also like to thank your families. You are where you are today as a result of their sacrifices. May the quality education you received at this great university bring you good fortune. I wish you a good future during which you will serve humanity with high ideals.”
“I Wish You the Best of Luck in Your Future Lives”
During a speech of his own, TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı stated that he is excited to be attending the ceremony: “I would like to wish the best of luck to you the graduates of this distinguished university that has reached its 40th year. You have learned Atatürk’s principles. The most important principle is ‘peace at home, peace in the world’. Therefore wherever you may go, contribute to peace, tranquility democracy and human rights. This is my biggest piece of advice to you. I wish you the best of luck in your future lives.”
After the opening speeches, top ranking students in their faculties and departments were presented their diplomas and awards. EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Medicine students took their Hippocratic Oath with Dean Prof. Dr. Nahide Gökçora. The ceremony came to an end with a concert by popular Turkish singer Mehmet Erdem.
