Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Tourism and the Bafra Vocational School of Tourism (Vocational School) bid farewell to their students with a joint graduation ceremony for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The graduation ceremony, held in the Hanife Aşçı Conference Hall of the Tourism Faculty, was attended by Samsun Deputy Governor Şevket Cinbir, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Yetkin Bulut, Director of the Directorate of Communications Samsun Regional Director Ebubekir Ayranci, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Süleyman Demirtaş, Director of Bafra Tourism Vocational School Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuhal Çilingir Ük, Director of Bafra Vocational School Prof. Dr. Ömer Çalışkan, academics, public representatives, and families of the graduating students.
The program began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a screening of a video and opening remarks.
“You are individuals who will transform what you have learned into production and contribution to society.”
Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, who attended the program, said, “Today, we are celebrating not only a graduation, but also the culmination of your efforts, determination, and faith. You are individuals who will now step into their professional lives and transform what you have learned into production and contribution to society. Remember, education is a lifelong journey. Always continue to improve yourself, learn, and produce. Our country needs hardworking and responsible young people like you. I congratulate all our graduating students and wish them bright futures.”
“We strive to provide education in line with the requirements of the modern age.”
Addressing the students, Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Yetkin Bulut said, “As the Tourism Faculty, we strive to provide education in line with the requirements of the modern age. In this context, we are also updating our curriculum. Starting this year, our students will receive theoretical training for the first three years and spend the fourth year working in the industry. This will provide our students with the opportunity to seamlessly apply what they learn in class in the industry and enter the workforce. We are transforming our students from passive individuals who listen to lectures from slides into active individuals who are at the center of the learning process and who learn how to learn. My dear students, any hope for a better future comes from wanting to bring that future into being. A future that reflects the measure of our own goodness, and all the good within us is measured by the good we do for others. We all share the same future, and this future is the sum of our infinite choices. Such a future is built on kindness, trust, and mutual understanding. Build a beautiful family and raise good children. You are all a Turkish flag. Let none of you lower or defile the flag. I wish you all great and healthy success on your journey in this direction," he said.
“You will do very beneficial work for both the sector and our country.”
Bafra Tourism Vocational School Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuhal Çilingir Ük said, “Your efforts and determination have finally paid off today. Although expectations of you changed rapidly, you managed to adapt, overcome obstacles, and reach the finish line. This was not an easy process, and it would not have been possible without the consistent support of our university, our strong will and determination, and your invaluable efforts. I am proud to say that you have achieved this. Today, you are graduating having successfully completed the training of our expert professors, who annually recruit qualified personnel to the tourism sector. I am certain that throughout your lives, you will never forget the importance of tourism in this country's future, and you will do very beneficial work for both the sector and our country.”
Following the speeches, Elif Öztürk, the valedictorian of the college, and Hasan Can Sayar, the valedictorian of the faculty, nailed their name plaques to the graduation log. After the awards were presented to the top graduates, the graduating students took the stage to receive their diplomas. The graduates then recited the graduation oath and threw their caps in the air.
