Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) 2025 – 2026 Academic Year Spring Semester Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony was held on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 at 8.00 p.m. at Venetian Palace, one of the iconic landmarks within the Walled City of Famagusta. Eastern Mediterranean University crowned its strong tradition of scientific research and postgraduate education once again by sending nearly 300 master’s and doctoral graduates into academia and the professional world.
The ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Resmiye Canaltay Eroğlu; President of the EMU Board of Trustees, Şemi Bora; EMU Rector, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç; Rector of Cyprus International University, Prof. Dr. Erbuğ Çelebi; Rector of Final International University, Prof. Dr. Orhan Gemikonaklı; Rector of Istanbul Technical University (ITU)–TRNC, Prof. Dr. Erkan Ayder; Vice Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan; EMU Board of Trustees Members Özdinç Akdel, Anıl İmre and Dr. Eyüp Göksu; EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren; EMU Secretary General Derviş Ekşici; Director of the EMU Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Ulusoy; ITU–TRNC Rector’s Advisor, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Akkaya; Famagusta Regional Director of the TRNC Civil Defence Organization, Hasan Özboltaşlı; Senate Members, academic staff, graduates, and their families.
The ceremony commenced with the graduates of the 2025–2026 Academic Year Spring Semester Postgraduate Programs entering the venue to music and applause. Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, the program continued with a musical performance by the EMU Quintet Group. At the end of the performance, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, presented the EMU Quintet Group with certificates of appreciation and flowers.
Graduate Representatives Delivered Addresses
The program continued with speeches delivered on behalf of the Spring Semester Postgraduate Graduates of the 2025–2026 Academic Year by Elif Acu, a graduate of the Master’s Program in Guidance and Psychological Counselling at the Faculty of Education, and Ezinne Favour Favour Ogulewe, a graduate of the PhD Program in Chemistry at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In their addresses, the graduates emphasized the importance of perseverance, determination, and pursuing one’s dreams, noting that the knowledge and experience they had gained should be used not only for personal success but also for the benefit of society. They also highlighted that graduation marks not an end but a new beginning, and expressed their gratitude to their families, academics, and the University for their support throughout their academic journey.
“Universities Are Institutions That Shape the Future of Societies”
In his opening address, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed his pride in sending nearly 300 postgraduate graduates into the world of science during this meaningful ceremony held in the historic atmosphere of Famagusta. Emphasizing that universities are not merely institutions that impart knowledge, but also institutions that encourage inquiry, foster research, and shape the future of societies, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that, with nearly 50 years of experience, EMU has distinguished itself as a respected research university on the international stage. Referring to EMU’s strong position in the QS World University Rankings, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined the University’s achievements in scientific output and research quality. Addressing the graduates, he stated that the education they had received represents not only a diploma but also a responsibility to contribute to humanity’s collective body of knowledge. He also drew attention to the importance of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and scientific developments in today’s rapidly changing world. Expressing his expectation that the graduates would become individuals who shape the future, Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded his remarks by thanking the families and academics for their contributions and quoting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: “The truest guide in life is science”.
Following the speech, the graduates enthusiastically recited the Graduation Oath under the leadership of EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, celebrating a significant milestone in their academic journey.
Postgraduate Graduates Bid Farewell with Pride and Joy
As part of the 2025–2026 Academic Year Spring Semester Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç presented plaques of appreciation to the thesis and co-thesis supervisors of the doctoral graduates in recognition of their valuable contributions. Doctoral graduates received their diplomas from Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Director of the EMU Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Ulusoy, the guest rectors, and EMU Vice Rectors. Master’s graduates received their diplomas from members of the protocol, faculty deans, and Director of the EMU Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Ulusoy. The ceremony concluded with the traditional cap-toss celebration.
