Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences celebrated the graduation of its students with a ceremony held on campus.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences Sports Hall, was attended by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Murat Eliöz, as well as academic staff, graduating students, and their families.

"Each of you will achieve great success in your future lives"

Delivering the opening address, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Murat Eliöz recalled that the faculty's foundations were laid in 1990 as the Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching within the Faculty of Education. He noted that it became a school in 1998 and was officially established as a faculty in 2013.

Thanking the academic and administrative staff who have contributed to providing high-quality education since its establishment, Eliöz addressed the graduates, saying:

"Each of you will achieve great success in your future lives."

He concluded his speech by congratulating the graduates and their families and wishing them continued success.

"What distinguishes a university is its graduates"

Speaking at the ceremony, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz reminded attendees that Ondokuz Mayıs University, founded in 1975, is a well-established institution with more than 50 years of history. He noted that the faculty is named after Yaşar Doğu, one of Samsun's most distinguished sports figures.

Kurnaz stated that the faculty has produced world and national champions among its students and that its academic staff have made significant contributions to the university through publications, research projects, and social responsibility initiatives.

Addressing the graduates, he emphasized that their families had entrusted them to the university four years earlier and that this trust had been honored.

"What distinguishes a university is its graduates."

He concluded by congratulating both the students and their families.

"I am proud to have turned my dream into reality through years of hard work"

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Zeynep Kocaman said that being present on this special day was an indescribable source of happiness.

"Today, I am proud to have turned my dream into reality through years of hard work."

She emphasized that sports are not limited to gyms and playing fields but also teach perseverance, respect, and the ability to rise again after setbacks. Kocaman thanked the faculty members who had provided not only knowledge but also vision, as well as her family and friends who had supported her throughout her journey.

During the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was presented to Prof. Dr. Osman İmamoğlu, who previously served as department chair, director of the school, and dean of the faculty, and who will retire in September this year, in recognition of his contributions to both the sports community and the faculty.

Following the plaque presentation, the program continued with a traditional folk dance performance.

After the speeches, diplomas were presented to the graduates. The ceremony concluded with the traditional cap-tossing celebration.