Istinye University’s 2024–2025 academic year graduation ceremonies concluded with immense joy and pride. Students graduating from various faculties and programs celebrated their achievement alongside their families, faculty members, and university administration.

Graduation: A Strong Start Toward the Future

In his speech at the ceremony, İstinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş highlighted the dedication, discipline, and development journey students demonstrated throughout their university life:
“Today, we share the excitement of sending off our graduates who will shape the future. You are ready to contribute to society as individuals equipped with knowledge. Your graduation is not an end, but a strong beginning toward the confident steps you will take tomorrow.”

“Universities Are Institutions That Build the Future”

Prof. Dr. İbiş emphasized that universities are public-serving institutions deeply rooted in traditions, values, principles, and, most importantly, their graduates. He added:
“Universities build not only today but also future generations. Their greatest strength is their alumni. We hope our graduates become individuals who make a difference, combining their intellectual knowledge with conscience and universal values, embodying the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — ‘free in thought, free in conscience, free in knowledge.’”

Prof. Dr. İbiş also underlined İstinye University’s vision based on ethical values, openness to collaboration, and continuous development, noting that the university is taking important steps to become one of Turkey’s and the world’s leading higher education institutions. Concluding his speech, he addressed the students:
“Dear graduates, may science and reason always be your strongest guide.”

“Vocational Education Is Turkey’s Most Important Need”

Istinye University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Peyami Çelikcan spoke about the university’s commitment to vocational education:
“Dear graduates, we have strived to raise you as free-thinking and conscientious individuals. Turkey’s most critical need is qualified vocational education. As İstinye University, in our 10th year, we prioritize vocational education in every field and work to deliver it at the highest standards.”

Prof. Dr. Çelikcan also highlighted the significance of associate degree programs and graduate success:
“Today, 54% of our graduates come from our associate degree programs. Among these graduates, we have reached an employment rate of 85%. These figures concretely demonstrate our dedication to vocational education and the success of sustainable training.”

Moments That Inspire the Future

During the ceremony, faculty valedictorians delivered their success speeches, and student representatives shared their university experiences and the values they gained. The emotional highlight was when graduates threw their caps into the air. Istinye University reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting graduates in their career journeys and emphasized the importance of communication and solidarity through its strong alumni network.