Üsküdar University's 2025-2026 Academic Year graduation ceremony this year was not merely an event where diplomas were awarded; it transformed into a meaningful gathering where inspiring life stories, hopeful achievements, and social responsibility messages were shared.
Within the scope of Üsküdar University's 2025-2026 Academic Year graduation ceremonies, graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry's 1st term and the Faculty of Medicine's 2nd term received their diplomas at a ceremony and were sent off into their professional lives. Students from other faculties graduating from associate and undergraduate degree programs, as well as students from the Vocational School of Health Services, received their diplomas at the 13th Term Graduation Ceremony held at the Haliç Congress Center.
In both ceremonies, the speeches of the top-ranking students evoked emotional moments at times and received prolonged applause at others.
"This success is also the success of my mother's tears"
The speech of İlayda Usta, a graduate of the Forensic Sciences Department and one of the university's top-ranked students for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, was one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony.
Stating that being the top student in the university was not just about a rank, Usta expressed that behind her success lay years of effort, patience, and an unyielding will.
However, the most striking part of her speech was the words she dedicated to her mother.
"If I can stand here today, one of the most important reasons is my mother. She was the only one who picked me up when I was tired and gave me strength to start again when I wanted to give up. Behind this success is as much her effort, patience, and tears as mine. I dedicate my university top rank to my mother, who never stopped believing in me." Her words received great applause from the audience.
Usta, who explained that she carried out both her education and professional life simultaneously, thanked her colleagues and concluded her speech with Atatürk's words, "The truest guide in life is science and knowledge."
In his Arabic speech, he said, "We are celebrating our shared dreams"
Salman Anwar Ghasan Al-Quhali, a Software Engineering graduate and one of the university's top-ranked students, emphasized in his Arabic speech that graduation is not just the end of education.
"Today, we are not just celebrating the end of an academic stage. We are celebrating the dreams we shared, the sleepless nights, and the struggle that brought us to this day," said Al-Quhali, thanking his family and academics and urging graduates not to stop lifelong learning.
"We will not forget that even the smallest effort is valuable"
Esra Nur Kutlar, a Psychology Department graduate and one of the university's top-ranked students, a title shared by three individuals, did not base her speech solely on her own success.
Kutlar reminded the audience of children whose right to life has been taken away due to wars, students who cannot receive education, and people suffering persecution in different parts of the world, stating that graduation meant greater responsibilities for them.
Kutlar's words, "This graduation is not just a diploma; it is the beginning of working harder, producing more, and taking responsibility for humanity. We will not forget that even the smallest effort is valuable," received prolonged applause from the guests in the hall.
"A new chapter is opening"
Nida Nefise Öztunç, a graduate of the Cartoon and Animation Department, the faculty's top-ranked student, and the university's second-ranked undergraduate student for the term, emphasized that graduation is not only a diploma but also the beginning of new stories.
Stating that they gained an intellectual and artistic perspective in addition to technical knowledge at the university, Öztunç said, "When we stepped through this door on the first day, we did not know what kind of path lay ahead. Today, we leave as individuals with powerful stories to tell and visions to present. Every end is a new beginning. The world outside the faculty walls awaits us. May our path be clear, and may our creativity and inspiration be abundant."
"Today, as one chapter closes, a brand new era begins for each of us"
Sema Nur As, the top-ranked student of the Medical Imaging Techniques Program, pointed out that the field of health requires great sacrifice and responsibility, stating that during the two-year education process, they learned not only professional knowledge but also how to struggle together and take responsibility.
Emphasizing that her family played the biggest role in her success, As said, "Today, as one chapter closes, a brand new era begins for each of us. I believe that we will carry the knowledge and ethical values we acquired at our university throughout our professional lives in the best way possible."
Became a student again at 46, received a standing ovation
Perhaps the most impressive speech of the ceremony was delivered by Demet Erçetin, the top-ranked student of the First and Emergency Aid Program.
Erçetin, who began her speech by saying, "I tried to get support from artificial intelligence, but it prepared a very boring text," recounted the process that changed her life.
Stating that their lives changed in a day due to her husband's health problems, Erçetin said that she decided to return to university after the difficult period she experienced.
"This is a story of a tragedy evolving into success and hope. This is a story of a woman rediscovering herself at 46. This is a story that it's never too late for anything," said Erçetin, and delivered the message: "Never underestimate your talents and dreams. Get back on your feet with every stumble."
"Now we will not only be physicians but also individuals who touch people's lives"
Selin Güvenç, the top-ranked student of the Faculty of Dentistry, stated that medicine is not a profession that can only be done with technical knowledge.
"We will touch not only people's teeth but also their smiles," said Güvenç, stating that the diploma is also a document of great responsibility.
She experienced emotional moments while commemorating her late father at the end of her speech.
A success story stretching from East Turkestan to Turkey
Beyza Bıçakcılar, the top-ranked student of the Faculty of Medicine for the term, drew attention with her personal story.
Bıçakcılar, who stated that she is the granddaughter of Kazakh Turks who immigrated from East Turkestan, said that the diploma she received today does not belong only to her.
"I carry this diploma not only for myself but also on behalf of my ancestors who enabled us to reach today with great sacrifices," said the young physician, who also did not forget the children living in the shadow of war in Palestine, East Turkestan, and different parts of the world in her speech.
Drawing attention to violence in healthcare, Bıçakcılar used the expressions, "There can be no justification for violence in healthcare. A strong healthcare system is only possible with healthcare professionals who feel safe."
The common message from graduates from different life stories was the same: “Never departing from the light of science, centering humanity, working with conscience, and never losing hope…”
