Istanbul Ticaret University saw its 1081 students off to business life with the graduation ceremony held in Cemile Sultan Grove. Graduates threw their caps in the air accompanied by the unique view of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ticaret University, which left its 20th year behind this year, graduated 1081 students with a ceremony held in the open field in Cemile Sultan Grove. Thus, the number of students graduated from TİCARET exceeded twenty thousand. At the ceremony, a sapling each was planted on behalf of the students ranked in the first, second and third places of the university and those who received honor and superior honor certificates. These students were given a sapling certificate, and the graduates of six faculties were bid farewell as they were throwing their caps in the air.
Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu reminded in his speech at the graduation ceremony that graduation is the end of the undergraduate period but the beginning of a new process in life and gave advice to the graduates. Prof. Dr. Oğurlu said, “University education allows you to get a good job, but being successful in your profession and continuing your success depends on continuing to improve yourself,” and added that the learning process lasts from the cradle to the grave and is a necessity for everyone today. Prof. Dr. Oğurlu stated the following:
“Strive to constantly improve yourself in all areas. Try to be good at whatever you do and make a difference whereever you are. Make sure that your work has lasting results. Today, to fully know a discipline is not enough. In a world where everything is developing and changing very quickly, the most important thing we will need is to learn how to learn and to know how to use the information we have learned. In the words of Mark Twain, education is not to fill the memory, but to develop the mind.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Oğurlu asked the graduates not to see graduation as a farewell and to inform the university of their future successes, and advised them not to forget their friends and academicians.
Prof. Dr. Oğurlu finished his speech by thanking the parents of the students and the board of trustees and the management of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) for their contributions to the university.
AT THE AGE OF 40, SHE GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY RANKING FIRST
Gamze Doğan Kürün, who graduated from the university ranking first, stated that she decided to go to university after she spent 18 years in business life and she graduated now at the age of 40. Ms. Doğan Kürün called out to her friends and said: “I speak for you as the top student in the university, but I believe that each of you deserves the first place and I congratulate each and every one of you for this success.”
Ms. Doğan Kürün stated that people regret not what they did but what they did not do and said that one should be afraid of not trying, not from failure. Ms. Doğan Kürün continued her speech as follows:
“Being a student of the Faculty of Communication has always been very important to me. Communication is at the center of all fields in today’s world, from economy to technology, media to art, sports to education, and from politics to diplomacy. However, being a student of this faculty was important for me also from another aspect because it meant reaching my dreams and completing what was left unfinished in my life, making one of the best wishes in my life come true, never giving up and never quitting.”
“YOU WILL BE THE PROTAGONISTS OF NEW STORIES”
The President of University’s Board of Trustees and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Assembly Mr. Öztürk Oran stated that the university grows step by step every year and thanked Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu as the architect of this and all academicians, administrative staff, students and parents and all graduates.
Pointing out that the graduates will be the protagonists of new stories, Mr. Oran said, “As I witness this beautiful event, I see people who will progress without breaking and hurting hearts while pursuing their work with passion and enthusiasm.”
Reminding that graduation should not be perceived as separation from the university, Mr. Oran said that the doors of the university are always open to its graduates.
“INDIVIDUALS WHO THINK FREELY, RESEARCH, AND DISCUSS”
ITO Vice President Dr. İsrafil Kuralay advised the graduates not to keep what they learned only to themselves and said, “Your duty is to make this information useful and valuable for your hometown, your homeland and your country.” Dr Kuralay continued his speech as follows:
“As Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, we will always be by your side together with Ticaret University. Technopark Istanbul, which realizes Turkey’s most important technology projects, and our Information Commercialization Center, which is Turkey’s main enterprise center, will be at your service, our esteemed graduates. As individuals who think freely, research, discuss and produce, you can contribute to Turkey’s development journey by taking advantage of these opportunities. You are the pride of our university. You are our new representatives.”
The President of University’s Board of Trustees and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Assembly Mr. Öztürk Oran gave plaque to Ms. Gamze Doğan Kürün, who graduated from the university ranking first, Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu gave plaque to Ms. Gamze Aytekin, who graduated from the university ranking second, and ITO Vice President Dr. İsrafil Kuralay gave plaque to Ms. Pınar Kahriman, who graduated from the university ranking third. Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Zaim and Prof. Dr. Elçin Aykaç Alp presented plaques to students who received Honor and Superior Honor Certificates.
After the speeches, the graduates were invited to the stage in groups of 50 according to the faculties and departments, and threw their caps in the air.


