The ceremony was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Murat Taş, General Secretary Erhan Doğan, academic and administrative staff, guests, student parents, and students.

At the ceremony, Ülkü Aydın, a student of the Faculty of Sports Sciences speaking on behalf of the graduates, expressed their pride in graduating from one of Turkey’s oldest and most successful Faculties of Sports Sciences.

“Thanks to the quality education we received, we will all have influence in various fields of life in the future. Our goal should be to raise generations who are tolerant, hardworking, honest, and self-confident, following the path of contemporary civilization based on reason and science as shown by the Great Leader Atatürk,” said Aydın. Addressing their professors who imparted not only academic knowledge but also values such as tolerance, democracy, sportsmanship, and critical thinking, Aydın added, “We will never forget you, our esteemed professors who made us who we are.”

In her speech, Aydın also addressed the families: “We understand the happiness you feel today. The seeds that blossomed with your efforts have started to bear fruit. Trust and believe in us; we will never let your efforts go to waste,” she thanked.

Addressing her fellow graduates, Ülkü Aydın concluded with, “Have dreams, and make sure to reach them one day. Have principles and beliefs to live a virtuous life. Have goals to correctly chart your course.”

Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Prof. Dr. Murat Taş, stated that the faculty is among Turkey’s leading faculties thanks to its qualified academic staff and contributions to sports sciences, continuing to develop and achieve significant successes every year.

Emphasizing that students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with a sense of responsibility, commitment to ethical values, social sensitivity, and team spirit, Prof. Dr. Murat Taş said, “Our graduates have made us proud with their sporting achievements and stances both nationally and internationally. I wholeheartedly congratulate you, our valuable students, who are the true architects of this success. Dear graduates, today is the last day of your university life but also the first step of a new beginning. Every success you achieve will elevate not only yourselves but also your families, our university, and our country. We trust you.”

Prof. Dr. Murat Taş also expressed his thanks to the families: “You have brought your children to this day with effort, dedication, and patience. Today, as you witness their success, we share your rightful pride,” he concluded.

Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, in her speech, noted that the Faculty of Sports Sciences is one of the university’s oldest and most successful faculties, highlighting that it has proudly represented the university in many fields to date.

Rector Kibar mentioned that this year’s graduates’ diplomas will bear the logo of the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF), stating, “This logo shows that our graduation documents are valid not only nationally but also on international platforms.”

Addressing families, Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar said, “The children you entrusted to us four years ago have been raised not only to become professionals but also as virtuous, conscientious, and socially responsible individuals with our expert academic staff with high qualifications. Today, we proudly return them to you.”

Thanking the teaching staff who supported students’ success not only academically but also through guidance, attitude, and example, Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar addressed the graduates: “Today is the last day of your education but also the first step of a new life. We have full faith in you. Inspired by our ancestors, we believe you will elevate your achievements even higher. Continue on your path as honest, hardworking, and compassionate individuals. May your path be open and your future bright.”

The program continued with the Flag Handover Ceremony, where certificates of achievement were awarded to students with honors. After the faculty’s top student nailed a plaque with their name to the graduation register, graduates received their diplomas. At the end of the ceremony, students joyfully threw their caps into the air, celebrating their graduation together.