Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) 2016-2017 Academic Year Spring Term Spring Semester Convocation Ceremony for Associate and Undergraduate Program graduates took place on Tuesday, the 20th of June 2017. Around 2 thousand associate and undergraduate program graduates received their diplomas at the convocation ceremony which took place at the EMU Stadium. With the graduation of the said students, the total number of EMU alumni has reached 50 thousand. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mustafa Akıncı, TRNC Parlimentary Spokesperson Dr. Sibel Siber, Minister of Labour and Social Security Hamza Ersan Saner and parlimentary members were amongst the notable names present at the ceremony. The night came to an end by the concert by Göksel.
President Mustafa Akıncı
In his short speech, President Mustafa Akıncı addressed the graduates in a joyful manner and stated that they are waiting for the speeches to end, start to receive their diplomas, throw their caps in air and cannot wait for the concert to begin. President Akıncı congratulated the graduates and wished them good luck with their new lives. President Akıncı also congratulated the EMU Administration and academicians for their efforts on educating the graduates, and their families for their endless support. President Akıncı concluded his speech with the following words: “Do not forget your university, this beautiful country and it’s people. Here exists a Turkish Cypriot community that always loves you and will show the same warmth to you anytime you visit this country. In the name of my community, I send their love to you and wish you all good luck.”
Sibel Siber
TRNC Parlimentary Spokesperson Dr. Sibel Siber stated that the Turkish Cypriot community is in need of success stories that would strengthen the self-confidence and bonds of the public. Underlining that success stories gain even more meaning under isolation and embargoes, Dr. Siber mentioned that EMU is one of the institutional success stories. Dr. Siber said that universities are like the windows to the world and, at the same time, very strong sources of motivation. Dr. Siber underlined the importance of the government to pave the way for the universities. Meanwhile stating that universities should be autonomus, Dr. Siber commented that the current state of this subject is not at a desired position.
İlker Edip
EMU Board of Trustees’ President İlker Edip stated that EMU is a 39-year old success story and they are proud with their students and graduates from 114 different countries. Edip mentioned that EMU graduates are the TRNC’s and EMU’s representatives and thanked the governments of Turkey and TRNC, academicians and families of the students for their contributions towards EMU’s development.
Necdet Osam
Rector of EMU Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam started his speech by offering his deepest condolences to the ones who lost their lives at the fire disasters in England and Portugal. Prof. Dr. Osam underlined that the students are graduating from one of the most respected universities in the world that provides high quality education as also confirmed at international levels. Prof. Dr. Osam mentioned that the graduating students are equipped with special qualities allowing them to embrace universal values, see differences as our wealth and acting in line with the rule of law. Underlining that EMU gives great value to research and development, Prof. Dr. Osam added that papers of 217 academicians were published in international journals and a total 393 academicians were cited in 2017. Prof. Dr. Osam said that EMU will do anything possible to ensure the provision of high quality education.
EMU graduates Mirza Özahi and Aysel Amir gave speeches in Turkish and English, also participating at the symbolic tree planting ceremony in the name of the 2016-2017 Spring Term Graduates. After the protocol speeches; top faculty, school and department students recieved their diplomas from the members of the protocol. After associate and undergraduate students were presented their diplomas, students and their families had joyous moments at a concert by the popular Turkish singer Göksel.
