Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Sport Sciences held its 29th Term Graduation Ceremony at the Şehzadeler Campus.

The ceremony was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çetin and Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, General Secretary Erhan Doğan, academic and administrative staff, guests, parents, and students.

The program began with a moment of silence and the national anthem. Ezgi Doğan, a student from the Sports Management Department, gave a speech on behalf of the graduates.

In the opening speech by Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences Prof. Dr. Murat Taş, he stated: “Dear graduates, you have successfully completed your university education. There is much you need to do ahead with the awareness of your responsibilities towards yourself, your family, and your country. We believe that you will climb the career ladder with the thought that every end is a new beginning. The success and social contributions you will achieve in this process will elevate and honor Manisa Celal Bayar University as much as your families.

Dear parents, you are here to accompany the happiest days of your children, whom you have raised with great dedication and sacrifices up to this moment. You can now be proud of them. And we know that you will watch their future achievements with honor. Your contribution to this graduation ceremony is as valuable as that of your children,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Murat Taş also thanked the teaching staff and administrative personnel for their dedicated work and addressed the graduates: “Dear graduates, in your future life, make every decision with kindness and justice. I wish you all success in your future endeavors.”

Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar began her speech by addressing the issue of Palestine, stating: “The Israeli government under Netanyahu, known for its occupation and cruelty, continues to target civilian settlements, disregarding all decisions of international courts. Despite the International Court of Justice's decision to stop operations, the atrocities of the Zionists continue unfortunately before the eyes of the world. Israel’s actions, which have become genocidal, have provided the most disgraceful examples of crimes against humanity with the recent Rafah attacks. We will never forget or allow the images from Rafah to be forgotten.”

Highlighting that the Faculty of Sport Sciences has obtained sports accreditation, documenting its national and international quality, Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar said, “This accreditation was made possible by our esteemed faculty members and valuable students. I extend my gratitude to each one of you. Our faculty has achieved many national and international successes that make us proud. The high number of national, professional, and amateur athletes is significant in achieving these successes.”

Emphasizing the power of sports activities, which influence the economy, international relations, and all segments of society, as indicators of a society’s development level, Rector Prof. Dr. Kibar continued: “At our Faculty of Sport Sciences, we are raising intelligent and globally-minded athletes who understand the importance of sports and athletes both in our country and the world. Alongside, our highly qualified faculty members continue to train scientists and conduct scientific studies in the field of sports.

The success of our students in national and international competitions brings pride to their esteemed families, our faculty members, and our university administration.

Dear parents, four years ago, you entrusted your children to us with great hopes. We have trained them as specialists in their fields with our strong academic staff and ever-supportive administrative personnel, and today we are returning them to you. We believe that you will continue to support them in their lives as you have until now. We have great confidence in these beloved young people we are graduating today.

Dear students, with the education you have received here, you have become a brand value of our faculty and university. Never forget your responsibilities to your esteemed families, your teachers, who have imparted their knowledge to you, and our state, which has provided you with all opportunities to reach this day. As graduates of our university, pursue your dreams tirelessly, as entrepreneurial individuals who uphold national unity and integrity, are always open to innovation, and embody national and spiritual values. As we bid farewell to you today as our students, we welcome you once again as our graduates. The doors of Manisa Celal Bayar University and our hearts will always be open to you. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. May your life be filled with health, happiness, and success. May your path be clear, and may God be with you.”

The ceremony continued with the Flag Handover Ceremony and the presentation of achievement certificates to the top-ranking students. After the top student placed a plaque with their name on the graduation log, the graduates received their graduation certificates. The ceremony ended with the graduates joyfully tossing their caps into the air, celebrating their graduation together.