Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Science celebrated the graduation of 181 students at its 47th graduation ceremony, held in the 51st year since the faculty's establishment.

The ceremony, held at the OMU Life Center, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Erkan Yalçın, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topçu, as well as academic staff, graduating students, and their families.

"That diploma is a symbol of justice, science, merit, and social responsibility"

Delivering the opening address, Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Erkan Yalçın stated that they were proud to hold the faculty's 47th graduation ceremony in its 51st year. Emphasizing that the graduates were far from ordinary young people and had reached this milestone after countless sleepless nights of studying, demanding laboratory work, and research projects, Yalçın said:

"The diploma you receive from our faculty is not merely a professional qualification. That diploma is a symbol of justice, science, merit, and social responsibility."

Highlighting that the world is changing rapidly and knowledge is constantly evolving, Yalçın encouraged graduates to embrace technological developments while never compromising their humanity, conscience, and ethical values. He concluded his speech with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "The truest guide in life, in civilization, and in science is knowledge and science," and wished all graduates a healthy and successful future.

"Our duty is not to give up and not to grow weary"

Faculty valedictorian Ahmet Çavuş, a graduate of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, said that while they were concluding the journey they had begun four years earlier, life itself was not ending, and learning would continue throughout their lives. He noted that diplomas are not merely instruments for obtaining a profession, but represent an understanding of professional identity that carries both belonging and responsibility. Thanking the faculty members who had educated them with this awareness, Çavuş declared, "Now is the time to serve our country."

Recalling the late Galip Erdem's words, "You are defeated not when you say 'We have lost,' but when you say 'We are tired,'” he added:

"Our duty is not to give up and not to grow weary."

Çavuş concluded by thanking his family, professors, and classmates, emphasizing that he shared the honor of graduating as faculty valedictorian with all members of his graduating class.
Following the speeches, gifts were presented to faculty valedictorian Ahmet Çavuş, Department of Chemistry salutatorian Ayşe Nur Sarı, and Department of Mathematics third-place graduate Beyza Yılmaz.

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