The graduation ceremony of Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Science and Letters was held at the Şehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Campus Recreation Area with the participation of graduates, their families, academic and administrative staff, and numerous guests.

The ceremony was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çetin, Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, and Prof. Dr. Oktay Üçer, as well as Secretary General Erhan Doğan.

The graduation ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a speech from the top student, Görkem Maviduranlar, on behalf of the graduates.

In her speech, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Letters, Prof. Dr. Ayşe İlker, stated that Manisa Celal Bayar University is one of the most functional and advanced universities in the Aegean Region. She noted that the Faculty of Science and Letters was established in 1992 with 4 science departments and 2 humanities departments, and has continued its educational activities with a total of 14 departments since then.

Prof. Dr. Ayşe İlker said, “Our academics at the Faculty of Science and Letters have participated in scientific studies, conducted projects, and collaborated with other scientists not only within Turkey but also in many European countries, the Far East, and America. They share their experiences and new knowledge with their students and our university.

Dear students, you have taken courses from these academicians and scientists. Alongside your courses, you have gained a lot of life experience. We expect you to transfer what you have learned here to young people in the National Education system, to state institutions, and to private sector units, contributing to the development and advancement of our country.

Dear parents, you are experiencing perhaps the most proud day of your lives. Today, we return to you your children, whom you have nurtured with care, protected, and supported to realize new dreams. We are confident that they will uphold truth and justice, humanity and fairness, and the rational guidance of science.

Dear students, a person is renewed with knowledge, love, and faith. I believe that you will be reborn with these qualities, overcome challenges, and look to the future with hope. I kiss each of you on the forehead and entrust you to God and our nation,” she concluded.

Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar said, “Dear families who have dreamed of and longed to see this happy day of your children, esteemed participants of our protocol, valued teaching staff, and our dear students who are the heroes of today; welcome to the Manisa Celal Bayar University 2023-2024 academic year graduation ceremony.

Today, we are experiencing a somewhat bittersweet graduation. In the last four months, we have lost three of our faculty members. All our professors, with their accumulated knowledge, have trained numerous students who will serve our country in the name of our university. I extend my condolences once again to the Manisa Celal Bayar University family and pray for the mercy of God for our late professors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çakaloğlu, Dr. Lecturer İrfan Murat Yıldırım, and Prof. Dr. Tahsin Babacan,” she said.

Rector Prof. Dr. Kibar emphasized that since its establishment, Israel has disregarded all legal norms and human and moral values, and they were deeply pained by the killing of more than 35,000 civilians, including 15,000 children and 5,000 women, in attacks on Palestine. She expressed their hope that the ongoing oppression and brutality in Gaza, Rafah, East Turkestan, and Rakhine would come to an end as soon as possible, and she wished mercy for those who lost their lives and a quick recovery for the injured.

Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, who started her career as a research assistant at the Faculty of Science and Letters at Manisa Celal Bayar University as a new graduate in 1999, said, “I am honored and proud to stand here today as the university's rector. Please remember that each of you is a candidate for these positions in the future. The fact that graduates like you are now serving in the university senate and upper management is our greatest source of pride.

Manisa Celal Bayar University has become one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey, and especially in the Aegean Region, with 15 faculties, 15 vocational schools, 2 schools, and 3 institutes since its establishment. Our Faculty of Science and Letters is graduating its 28th class today. With approximately 750 graduates joining the ranks today, the total number of graduates from our faculty is around 15,000.

I would like to continue by addressing the parents; you deserve the loudest applause for raising your children with great dedication and bringing them to this point with all kinds of sacrifices. Dear families, continue to support your children in their future endeavors as you have done so far. Trust them, because we have great faith in our graduates.

Dear colleagues, you are the architects of this significant day. By closely engaging with our students over the past four years, you have helped them develop in their fields, prepared them for life not only with your knowledge and experience but also with your life lessons, and contributed to their growth as responsible individuals. I thank you on behalf of our students.

To our administrative staff who have worked with great effort, dedication, and sincerity without regard to time, thank you endlessly for always being there for us, our faculty members, and our students during their studies and holding a significant place in their university lives.

Dear students, you are at one of the important turning points in your educational journey. Never lose the sense of pride and confidence that comes from graduating from Manisa Celal Bayar University, one of the most distinguished universities in our country. Remember that the diplomas you have earned today come with responsibilities towards yourself, your family, and your country. Success requires knowledge, hard work, and persistence. It also demands collaboration and solidarity with your family, instructors, and all your colleagues. Working together is not easy, and it requires love and respect, humility, loyalty, and virtue. Believe that with these qualities, you will overcome any challenge and succeed in everything you undertake.

Turkey, with its geostrategic importance, geographic location, and political power, will continue to be one of the world's most distinguished countries. I believe that in this strong Turkey, there will be the signatures of young people like you who love their country and strive for it. The success you achieve on this path with the education you have received will make us as proud and honored as it will make your families and yourselves.

Dear young people, as we send you off as our students, I would like to welcome you as our alumni. The doors of Manisa Celal Bayar University and our hearts will always be open to you. I wish you a blessed graduation. May your path and future be bright. May God be with you,” she concluded.

The graduation ceremony ended with the awarding of certificates to the top students, the symbolic presentation of diplomas to the graduates, and the traditional cap-tossing ceremony.