Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Samsun Vocational School celebrated the graduation of its 2025–2026 academic year students in a ceremony marking the beginning of their professional careers. Graduates from 14 associate degree programs were honored during the event.

The ceremony was attended by Rector’s Advisor Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur, Mayor of İlkadım İhsan Kurnaz, Samsun Provincial Director of İŞKUR Gökhan Dürümlü, President of the Samsun Chamber of Certified Public Accountants Osman Arslan, Director of Samsun Vocational School Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çetin, Director of the OMU State Conservatory Prof. Dr. Fatih Akbulut, academics, graduates, and their families.

Director Çağlayan: “Being a good professional is not enough; you must also be a good person”

Director of Samsun Vocational School Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan noted that the school is one of the university’s largest academic units, serving more than 3,000 students across 14 associate degree programs, including 11 on-campus and three distance-learning programs.

Emphasizing that graduation represents a new beginning rather than an ending, he addressed graduates with the following message:

“In a rapidly changing world, it is not enough to be a skilled computer technician, child development specialist, architect, or accountant. You must also be a good person, guided by knowledge, wisdom, and ethical values. Never lose your strength to face challenges. Loving and valuing our country and fulfilling our duties and responsibilities with honor remain enduring values. I wish you success and happiness in your future.”

He concluded his speech with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s famous words: “My greatest hope is in the youth.”

Rector’s Advisor Şendurur: “OMU is a well-established institution that provides both knowledge and values”

Speaking on behalf of the university administration, Rector’s Advisor Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur began by congratulating the families who supported students throughout their educational journey.

“Reaching this milestone after years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance is a source of pride for all of us. Ondokuz Mayıs University is a long-established institution with a strong academic culture. Here, we provide our students not only with professional knowledge and skills but also with the human and ethical values necessary for contributing to our country’s development. I sincerely believe that our graduates will continue to uphold the mission and values of OMU throughout their professional lives.”

Valedictorian Aleyna Balık’s emotional tribute to her grandmother

The valedictory speech was delivered by Aleyna Balık, valedictorian of the graduating class and a student of the Graphic Design Program.

Thanking her family and professors for their support, Balık reflected on the impact of her education:

“Graphic design taught us not only lines and colors but also how to think deeply and express ourselves freely.”

At the conclusion of her speech, she paid tribute to her grandmother, whom she had lost nearly a year earlier, creating an emotional moment for the audience:

“You always asked me, ‘When will this school be over?’ The school is over, Grandma, just as you wanted, and with great success.”

Certificates presented to top-performing graduates

Following the speeches, certificates of achievement were presented to students who graduated with distinction during the 2025–2026 academic year.

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