The State Conservatory at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) celebrated the graduation of its 2025–2026 academic year students with a joyful ceremony. The graduates took their first steps into their professional artistic careers during the event.

The ceremony was attended by Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Prof. Dr. Ali Seylan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çetin, Director of the State Conservatory Prof. Dr. Fatih Akbulut, Director of Samsun Vocational School Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan, academic staff, graduates, their families, and guests.

“May Your Path Be Bright, Your Art Be Strong, and Your Applause Be Endless”

In his opening remarks, Director Prof. Dr. Fatih Akbulut described conservatory education as a long journey built on dedication, patience, discipline, and a passion for the arts.

“Conservatory education is founded not merely on the transfer of knowledge, but on the master-apprentice tradition. During your four years of undergraduate study, you have developed not only your technical skills but also your artistic vision under the mentorship of your instructors. You have embraced discipline and learned the culture of the stage. This master-apprentice relationship is one of the most valuable bonds through which art is passed from one generation to the next. I wish you bright futures, enduring artistic success, and many standing ovations throughout your careers,” he said.

“Being Here Today Is the Reward for Every Day I Chose Not to Give Up”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Conservatory valedictorian and departmental valedictorian Beyza Nur Yıldız shared her personal journey with the audience.

She explained that she had been admitted to the Conservatory as the last-ranked student and reflected on the challenges she had overcome:

“Despite those who told me, ‘Even if you are admitted, you will never graduate,’ and those who tried to stand in my way simply because I was a girl, being here today is an extraordinary honor. This graduation represents far more than earning a diploma, it is the reward for every day I chose not to give up. I remember with deep respect, gratitude, and longing Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who left us the legacy that women can succeed and thrive in every field.”

Yıldız concluded her speech by thanking her professors, her family, her sister, Mehmet Öztürk, who supported her throughout her journey, and her friend Sude Nur Başaran.

“I Congratulate Our Students Wholeheartedly”

Representing the University administration, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar stated that, although he is a professor of engineering, he has always admired conservatory education.

“As an engineering professor, I often teach lectures to classes of a hundred students at a time. Conservatory education is completely different, you work with students one-on-one. It is a demanding and highly dedicated process that creates a unique bond between teacher and student. I sincerely congratulate these graduates, who I believe will achieve far more than the dreams we ourselves once imagined,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a musical performance, a group photograph, and the traditional cap toss, celebrating the graduates' transition into professional artistic life.