We Sent Off Our 2023-2024 Graduates With Great Pride
Altınbaş University held the graduation ceremony of the 2023-2024 academic year with great enthusiasm. At the ceremony where approximately 1800 students threw their caps, families experienced moments full of emotion and pride.
Altınbaş University 2023-2024 graduation ceremony was held at Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Show Center. Members of the Board of Directors of Mehmet Altınbaş Education and Culture Foundation, members of the Board of Trustees, representatives of the Local Administration, families, academic and administrative staff of the University attended the ceremony where approximately 1800 students were excited to throw their caps. The ceremony started with the Turkish National Anthem and a moment of silence, and the students who ranked in the top of their classes were presented with their awards.
Making the opening speech of the ceremony, Altınbaş University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ali Altınbaş gave advice to the students. Underlining the importance of working hard to make a difference, Ali Altınbaş said, “You have completed an important period of your life. You have gained all kinds of equipment with the support you have received so far. You have received an education equivalent to your peers not only in Türkiye but also around the world. As the Altınbaş family, one of our greatest values is equality of opportunity. People are born equal, but they may not have the same opportunities later on. However, life is a race. Before you start the race, we believe that you have the same equipment as your peers all over the world, with all our professors and staff at our university. Please believe in yourself too. Because the world is now in a great race. Everyone participates in this race from wherever they are. The only way to be one step ahead in this race and to make a difference is to work, work and work."
Ali Altınbaş pointed out that the University makes sure that nothing is lacking and said, “As a student, when you ask, ‘What have I done for myself, my family and all humanity in life?’ you will see that the values you have acquired appear as a work of art. You will say, 'I have added value to life in this way'. Therefore, never forget that you are in a race. There is no other way but to work."
Altınbaş University Rector Prof. Dr. Çağrı Erhan also mentioned that this academic year was a very successful year for the University. Prof. Dr. Çağrı Erhan said, “The 2023-2024 academic year has been a period full of success for us. In line with the quality and accreditation goal of our strategic plan, our University received institutional accreditation by YÖKAK. Our Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Business Administration, Fine Arts and Design, Communication faculties and School of Foreign Languages received their accreditation. Thus, our university ranked 11th among 75 foundation universities in Türkiye in terms of quality and accreditation processes. We became the fifth university to receive the Turquality brand certificate."
Underlining that the University has also achieved worldwide success in the internationalization category, Prof. Dr. Erhan said, “According to the results of the All Universities Satisfaction Survey, Altınbaş University ranked 27th among 210 higher education institutions in Türkiye and 17th among 75 foundation universities. We continue our efforts to increase satisfaction with our student-oriented education approach. We continued our success as Türkiye's number one international university. Thanks to our more than 7000 international students from 105 different countries, we ranked 51st in the world in the internationalization category in the Times Higher Education ranking. The presence of international students is the guarantee of multicultural tolerance in universities. Türkiye has become one of the top 10 countries accepting international students." Erhan also said the following about the developments that have led to success in all fields from technology to sports:
"Our university aims to offer theory and practice together. In TÜBİTAK Teknofest competitions, our students won first place in the technology and psychology category. We received performance awards in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles category. EVA Team has made a significant contribution to our transformation into a leading higher education institution in the field of unmanned and electric vehicles. In the sports and cultural fields, the 2023-2024 academic year was full of national and international achievements of our students. I would like to congratulate our students and their coaches who achieved degrees in many branches from sailing to taekwondo, archery to rowing and futsal."
Addressing the graduates, Erhan said, “Dear graduates, it is time to serve your country and humanity. At Altınbaş, you not only received a quality education, but you were also equipped with positive values.
Maintain your composure when faced with difficulties, do not take steps without planning. Be a part of solutions, not problems, in business life. Look out for the benefit of society and humanity."
This year's top student was from the Faculty of Medicine. Libyan Hadeil Alhashmi, the winner of the graduating class of 2024, who chose Türkiye for his medical education, said, “Altınbaş University taught us to overcome our fears and face challenges as well as academic achievements.” Hadeil Alhashmi shared his views on his student years with the following words:
"Every challenge we overcome will contribute to the stories we will tell in the future. This journey has not been easy, but we are proud to be here today. As the Class of 2024, we celebrate our graduation and the next step in our careers. Your mentorship and support have shaped who I am."
In his speech, Alhashmi also gave advice: “We will push ourselves to achieve the best. The constant support and love of our families has made this journey easier. When our real journey begins, we are ready to make a difference in the world. Follow your dreams and never give up. Believe in yourself and strive for excellence."
The ceremony ended enthusiastically with the graduates throwing their caps in the air.