Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Ali Fuad Başgil Faculty of Law bid farewell to 110 students who successfully completed their studies in the 2025–2026 academic year with a graduation ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by OMU Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, District Governor of Çarşamba Mehmet Kamil Sağlam, Mayor of Çarşamba Lawyer Hüseyin Dündar, Dean of the Ali Fuad Başgil Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Hasan Tahsin Keçeligil, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Onur Bekiroğlu, academic staff, students, and their families.

Secretary General Pancar: “Justice should guide you in every aspect of life”

Speaking after the moment of silence and the National Anthem, OMU Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar emphasized that legal education is more than a pathway to a profession.

“Today, after years of hard work, dedication, and determination, you are taking on not only a diploma but also a great responsibility. This diploma is more than a document; it symbolizes the responsibility to uphold the rule of law, defend justice, and serve society. Remember that justice should guide us not only in courtrooms but in every aspect of daily life. Therefore, our expectation is that you act not only with your professional knowledge but also with your conscience.”

Dean Keçeligil: “A lawyer’s greatest strength is the integrity of their character”

Congratulating the graduates on their achievements, Dean of the Ali Fuad Başgil Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Hasan Tahsin Keçeligil stressed that the legal profession derives its true meaning not only from professional expertise but also from strong character and a commitment to justice.

“You are representatives of a new generation that will defend the rule of law, justice, and equality. Wherever you serve and whatever position you hold, never lose the voice of your conscience. Remember that a lawyer’s greatest strength is not the sharpness of their pen, but the integrity of their character. May your path be clear and your future bright. This faculty and this university will always remain your home.”

Mayor Dündar: “Justice goes hand in hand with goodness”

Çarşamba Mayor Hüseyin Dündar highlighted the importance of legal education in maintaining social order and safeguarding rights.

“Law means justice and goodness. Justice goes hand in hand with goodness. Only through the establishment and spread of justice and goodness can wrongdoing be reduced and positive values flourish. Therefore, being a legal professional and carrying a legal perspective throughout life is important far beyond earning a degree or pursuing a profession.”

Valedictorian Güleç: “We carry the responsibility of upholding the rule of law”

Valedictorian Serkan Güleç stated that graduation represents not only academic achievement but also the culmination of effort, patience, and solidarity.

“Throughout our legal education, we learned not only legislation but also critical thinking, defending justice, and becoming good human beings before becoming good lawyers. We carry the responsibility of upholding the rule of law, defending justice, and preserving the principles of a constitutional state. I would like to thank all our academic staff and families for their support and sincerely congratulate my fellow graduates.”

Following the diploma presentation ceremony, valedictorian Serkan Güleç inscribed his name on the faculty’s graduation honor board.

The ceremony concluded with graduates gathering alongside Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Tahsin Keçeligil to recite the graduation oath before celebrating by tossing their caps into the air.