The Faculty of Education at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) proudly celebrated its 2025–2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony. With a distinguished history dating back to 1961 and more than half a century of educating teachers for schools across Türkiye, the Faculty marked the graduation of its 44th cohort, sending a new generation of educators into professional life.

The ceremony was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Hamza Çalışıcı, Dean of the Ali Fuad Başgil Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Hasan Tahsin Keçeligil, Director of Samsun Vocational School Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan, vice deans, academic and administrative staff, graduating students, and their families.

“A Good Teacher Does More Than Teach; They Inspire, Build Confidence, and Shape Character”

In his opening address, Dean Prof. Dr. Hamza Çalışıcı expressed his pride in celebrating the Faculty's 44th graduating class. He emphasized that this achievement belonged not only to the academic staff but also to the families who supported the students with great dedication and to the graduates themselves for their perseverance.

Noting that the world is changing rapidly and that knowledge must be continuously renewed, Prof. Dr. Çalışıcı addressed the graduates with the following message:

“From this day forward, each of you will touch the life of a child, nurture the hopes of a family, and contribute to a brighter future for society. Always uphold justice, and above all, love teaching. Nothing accomplished without passion can be truly lasting or meaningful. Remember, a good teacher does more than teach lessons; they inspire, instill confidence, and build character.”

At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Çalışıcı invited all graduating students to stand and applaud their families and the academic staff who had supported them throughout their educational journey.

“We Will Never Allow the Honor of Teaching to Be Compromised”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Faculty valedictorian Meryem Sena Kahraman delivered an emotional speech. On behalf of her classmates, she thanked the Faculty members who had equipped them with national, moral, and universal values, as well as their families for their unwavering support.

Kahraman also referred to the humanitarian crises taking place in different parts of the world, expressing solidarity with people suffering in conflict-affected regions, particularly Gaza and East Turkestan.

Addressing her fellow graduates, she said:

“Today is graduation day. Today marks a turning point, the day the torch is passed to us. Fully aware of our responsibility, I make this promise before our guests, history, and our nation on behalf of all my fellow graduates: We will never allow the honor of the teaching profession to be compromised, and we will carry this sacred responsibility with pride.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas and Certificates of Achievement, followed by the traditional cap toss, as the new teachers celebrated the beginning of their professional journeys.