The Graduation Ceremony of the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for the 2025–2026 Academic Year was held with great enthusiasm.

A total of 93 students who successfully completed their veterinary education celebrated their graduation at the ceremony.

The event, held at the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM), was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Metin Çenesiz, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Yavuz Kürşad Daş, Samsun Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Kemal Yılmaz, President of the Samsun-Sinop Chamber of Veterinarians Ahmet Pilan, academic staff, students, and their families.

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kesten: “Today we share the pride of graduating members of a truly special profession”

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten said:

“Today, we share the pride of graduating members of a truly special profession, one that places human and ethical values above all else. Veterinary medicine is not limited to caring for our animal companions; it is also a profession that directly safeguards public health by ensuring that safe and healthy food reaches our homes. Veterinarians are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. I sincerely congratulate all our students who have successfully completed this demanding five-year educational journey, including the famously challenging anatomy courses, and extend my gratitude to our esteemed faculty members who have guided them to the highest levels of education and research.”

Continuing his remarks, Kesten added:

“I would also like to thank the parents who made countless sacrifices to bring their children to this point. My request is that, for the next few days, you put aside concerns about employment and the future and simply enjoy this moment and the graduation of your children, for whom you have worked so hard. Life is made up of such precious moments. I have full confidence that all our graduating young colleagues will go on to serve their country and society successfully as veterinarians.”

Dean Çenesiz: “I see enlightened individuals who will help shape our country’s future”

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Metin Çenesiz emphasized that the ceremony represented much more than the awarding of diplomas:

“Today, we are not merely holding a graduation ceremony. We are witnessing the culmination of years of hard work, patience, sacrifice, and dreams. As I look at you from this podium, I see not only young colleagues preparing to receive their diplomas, but also future veterinarians, scientists, administrators, and enlightened individuals who will help shape our country’s future. I congratulate you wholeheartedly.”

Addressing the graduates, he continued:

“After five years of intensive and dedicated study, you have earned the title of veterinarian. This diploma signifies not only that you have acquired a profession, but also that you are representatives of respect for life, commitment to science, and social responsibility. Wherever your career takes you, let your conscience be your guide, science your compass, and professional ethics your companion. Becoming a good veterinarian requires not only knowledge but also compassion, honesty, justice, and a strong sense of responsibility.”

Valedictorian Arar: “I thank our university for allowing us to learn our profession both in theory and in practice”

Graduating as the top student of the faculty, Buğrahan Arar reflected on his academic journey:

“Standing before you today represents not only a graduation but the culmination of years of effort, sacrifice, and determination. I entered the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ondokuz Mayıs University through the quota reserved for high school valedictorians, and today I am proud and happy to graduate as the top student of the faculty. This achievement is a great honor, but it also carries significant responsibility. I sincerely congratulate my classmates with whom I completed this demanding educational journey and thank our university for providing us with the opportunity to learn our profession not only in theory but also in practice.”

Following his speech, Arar placed a commemorative plaque on the faculty’s graduation honor board.

Students who ranked at the top of their class, followed by the rest of the graduating cohort, received their symbolic diplomas from protocol members and faculty academics.

The ceremony concluded with the veterinary oath and the traditional cap toss, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.