Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Alaçam Vocational School celebrated the graduation of its 2025–2026 academic year students with a ceremony held in their honor.

The ceremony was attended by OMU Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, Yakakent District Governor Muhammed Sadi Taşyapan, Alaçam Mayor Ramazan Özdemir, Yakakent Mayor Dr. Şerafettin Aydoğdu, Acting Alaçam District Police Chief Ramazan Aktaş, District Gendarmerie Commander Lt. Mevlüt Şen, Alaçam District Director of Youth and Sports Cansu Keskin Karaaslan, Director of Alaçam Vocational School Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zümral Gültekin, as well as academic staff, graduates, and their families.

Held at the Alaçam Vocational School Sports Hall, the ceremony began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by protocol speeches.

“There Is Always a Need for Ethical, Hardworking, and Skilled Professionals”

In his opening remarks, OMU Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar emphasized that graduation is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in professional life.

“To enjoy success, one must first be willing to make sacrifices. Today, one of the greatest needs both in our country and around the world is qualified human capital. There will always be a need for people who respect their work, act ethically, are honest, hardworking, and possess strong professional skills. Never forget that.”

Pancar concluded his speech by congratulating the graduates and wishing them success in their future careers.

“The Diploma You Receive Today Represents Your Effort, Determination, and Achievement”

Director of Alaçam Vocational School Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zümral Gültekin highlighted that higher education extends beyond professional training.

“Throughout your years here, you have not only gained professional knowledge but also learned how to take responsibility, work collaboratively, and overcome challenges. The diploma you receive today is not merely a document; it is a reflection of your hard work, determination, and success.”

Mayor Özdemir: “Be Individuals Who Contribute to Society”

Alaçam Mayor Ramazan Özdemir congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue contributing to society.

“Dear graduates, the formal education journey that began when you were around six years old comes to an end today. From this point forward, you will continue your lives as responsible individuals who contribute to society. Our expectation is that you become people who benefit your country, your nation, and your community. May your path be open.”

District Governor Taşyapan: “Your Diploma Number Will Be Your New Tracking Number”

Yakakent District Governor Muhammed Sadi Taşyapan emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work.

“Our Mayor has shared an important truth about life. What falls to us is to work hard. I see posters in this hall saying, ‘Our tracking number is our diploma.’ From now on, your tracking number will indeed be your diploma number, and you will strive to reach even greater achievements through it. I congratulate you all.”

Valedictorian Memişoğlu: “This Success Does Not Belong to Me Alone”

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, valedictorian İrem Gül Memişoğlu thanked those who contributed to her success.

“This achievement does not belong solely to me; it also belongs to my professors who guided me and to my family who always stood by my side. I would like to thank all my instructors and friends who supported me throughout my university years. I believe the knowledge and experience I gained here will guide me in the future. I wish all my classmates health, happiness, and success.”

Following the speeches, graduation certificates were presented to the students. Graduates celebrated the occasion together with their families.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional cap toss and a commemorative group photograph.