The Faculty of Agriculture at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) graduated 210 students during its 2025–2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Orhan Dengiz, President of the Samsun Branch of the Union of Agricultural Engineers Prof. Dr. Ferhat Uzun, President of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers Agricultural Engineer Havva Yurdunuseven Bayzat, as well as academic staff, graduating students, and their families.

"There Is No Life Without Agriculture"

Addressing the graduates, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz stated, "There is no life without agriculture." He reminded the audience that the Faculty of Agriculture was one of the first faculties established alongside the university in 1976 and that agricultural education in Türkiye has a distinguished history spanning 180 years. Kurnaz emphasized that the faculty educates engineers in a wide range of disciplines, from soil science and animal science to agricultural economics and plant protection.

Stating that "A university's success is measured by its graduates," Kurnaz noted that the university's alumni family, which now numbers nearly 250,000, has been joined by another 210 graduates. He expressed his confidence that artificial intelligence, big data, and deep learning would make it possible to maximize productivity from limited resources. Concluding his remarks, he thanked the dean, the academic and administrative staff, and congratulated the graduates and their families.

"Your Diploma Is Not the Finish Line of a Marathon but the Beginning of a New Responsibility"

In his opening speech, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Orhan Dengiz said that the graduates were now receiving the reward for countless sleepless nights before examinations, demanding laboratory work, and the hard work they had invested during field studies and internships.

"Although receiving your diploma may appear to be the finish line of a long and challenging marathon, it is in fact the starting line of an entirely new and much greater responsibility."

Dengiz stated that, in a century challenged by climate change, food security concerns, and diminishing natural resources, continuing agriculture through traditional methods alone is no longer an option.

"Agriculture is not only the foundation of humanity's past but also the sole guarantee of its future and survival."

He emphasized that the graduates would become pioneers in integrating precision agriculture technologies, agricultural robotics, and artificial intelligence into Turkish agriculture. He concluded by encouraging the graduates:

"Do not be afraid of making mistakes, never stop trying, and above all, never stray from the guiding light of science."

"If You Control Oil, You Control Countries; If You Control Food, You Control Humanity"

Prof. Dr. Ferhat Uzun, President of the Samsun Branch of the Union of Agricultural Engineers, summarized the significance of agriculture by saying:

"If you control oil, you control countries; if you control food, you control humanity."

He shared that he had recently visited graduate Enes Ünal at his workplace in Kastamonu and expressed his pride in seeing the young engineer working among seedlings and seeds. Uzun also extended his special thanks to the faculty members and administrative staff.

Reminding graduates of the importance of family, he said:

"A father is the gateway to livelihood for those who know how to open it. A mother is the gateway to paradise for those who know how to enter it."

"Welcome to the Profession, Our Young Colleagues"

Agricultural Engineer Havva Yurdunuseven Bayzat, President of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, celebrated the 180th anniversary of agricultural education and welcomed the new graduates as fellow professionals. She thanked the faculty members for their contributions to educating confident agricultural engineers who embrace technology and can integrate successfully with the global community.

"We Will Carry OMU's Light Wherever We Go"

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Faculty Valedictorian Hatice Toysöz reflected on the challenging yet rewarding years spent in fields, laboratories, and internships under the sun.

She thanked the faculty members for teaching them analytical thinking, scientific problem-solving, and the importance of professional ethics. Quoting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, "Agriculture is the foundation of the national economy," Toysöz stated:

"Wherever we go, we will carry the light, integrity, and work ethic of Ondokuz Mayıs University with us."

She concluded her speech by saying:

"I hope we will meet again as colleagues in a greener, more productive, and stronger Türkiye."

Toysöz also expressed her gratitude to her family and fellow classmates.

Following the speeches, diplomas were presented to the graduates. Faculty Salutatorian Emirhan Özdemir led his classmates in reciting the Faculty of Agriculture Oath.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates joyfully tossing their caps into the air.