Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) welcomed its alumni graduating between the years of 1990 and 1994. Aiming to strengthen the relation between the university and the graduates, the said visit featured exchange of views and ideas towards developing possible collaborations and graduate relations. Visiting EMU after many years, the graduates expressed their contentment on once again being at EMU.
The visiting group, consisting of Mahiye Sabuncuoğlu, 1992 graduate of EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Economics; Yasemin Karakaş, 1994 graduate of EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Business Administration; Eralp Bektaş, 1991 graduate of EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Business Administration; Şebnem Aydın and Cumhur Balkaroğlu, 1993 graduates of EMU Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering; Birol Dündar, 1992 graduate of EMU Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics; Hüseyin Dinç, 1991 graduate of EMU School of Computing and Technology, Department of Electrical and Electronics Technology; and, Banu Üner, 1992 graduate of School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, paid a courtesy visit to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and General Secretary Derviş Ekşici.
After the visits, the graduates had the chance to explore the campus and revisit the faculties where they once studied. The visit program continued with a luncheon at the EMU Beach Club, where the graduates took pleasure in reuniting and reminiscing about their student days.
Emphasizing the importance of graduates and the special place they hold for the university, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç said; “We take great pride in all our graduates who laid the foundations of our university and contributed to the achievements that brought EMU to its current standing”.
What did the Graduates say?
Mahiye SABUNCUOĞLU
Mahiye Sabuncuoğlu who graduate from the EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Economics in 1992, shared her joy to be at EMU after many years. Sabuncuoğlu said; “Returning here after so many years fills us with excitement. We are truly proud to be graduates of this university”. Stating that she closely follows EMU, Sabuncuoğlu added; “EMU has developed remarkably. I’m delighted to see the improvements and progress made. Being here makes us relive our youth, which is truly thrilling”. Sabuncuoğlu continued; “Throughout my studies at EMU, our instructors consistently supported us. We balanced both enjoyment and learning, completing our education successfully. The greatest gift EMU gave me was confidence in myself, and I came to fully appreciate the excellence of our education when I started my career”. Giving advices to today’s students, Sabuncuoğlu said; “Cherish the values here and make the most of the university life”.
Yasemin KARAKAŞ
1994 graduate of the EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Business Administration, Yasemin Karakaş who is a Private Banking Portfolio Manager, shared her joy at returning to EMU after many years. Reflecting on her career in the banking sector since graduation, she said, “I attended this visit thinking about whether my son might one day study here. I would be thrilled if he became an EMU graduate too.” Karakaş expressed her happiness at seeing the university’s growth and transformation, emphasizing how much her education at EMU contributed to her personal and professional development. She also noted that many EMU alumni hold prominent positions and added, “We often exchange ideas with fellow EMU graduates in our careers, which is a tremendous source of pride for the university”.
Banu ÜNER
“I graduated from the Tourism and Hospitality Program in 1992, and I’m delighted to be back at EMU. This university always felt like a second home to us. It’s incredible to see how much EMU has grown and evolved. Returning here revived so many memories, as our presence is still felt across the campus. I experienced the same joy as I did years ago. EMU instilled in us the most valuable qualities: self-confidence, discipline, and determination. My advice to current students is to stay dedicated to their studies and maintain strong connections with their professors.”
Hüseyin DİNÇ
Hüseyin Dinç, who graduated in 1991 from the Electrical and Electronics Technology Program, shared his pride in seeing the remarkable changes at EMU. He recalled, “When we started, there were only six buildings on campus. Now, the university has experienced tremendous growth. Our class had around 260 students, and today there are over 15,000. This is a source of great pride for us.” Emphasizing the benefits of EMU’s strong English program and academic framework on his career, Dinç said, “EMU significantly strengthened my English skills. The university’s academic and scientific approach greatly developed my analytical thinking. Thanks to the knowledge and skills I gained at EMU, I retired in 2013 from Total Energy and Gas Group, one of the world’s largest energy companies.” He advised current students, “Take full advantage of what the university provides and have confidence in your education.”
Şebnem AYDIN
Şebnem Aydın, who graduated from the Civil Engineering Department in 1993, shared that returning to EMU after many years was a very emotional experience for her. She noted, “We shared the same classrooms with our friends and experienced the same excitement. It’s wonderful to feel that same energy again today.” Aydın also emphasized the lasting impact of the friendships she formed at EMU on her career, saying, “The relationships I built here helped me develop my professional connections. EMU is a university with strong academic and social foundations. Students should value this, as the connections made here are difficult to find elsewhere.”