Bahçeşehir University 2016-2017 Graduation Ceremony Held

The graduation ceremony of Bahçeşehir University (BAU) took place at the Abdi İpekçi Sports Hall. As 3,100 students threw their caps at the ceremony, more than 11,000 family members stood by their children on this special day and shared their excitement.

At the graduation ceremony of Bahçeşehir University, which celebrated its 17th class of graduates this year, 3,100 students threw their caps. One of the universities with a high number of international students, Bahçeşehir University graduated 288 international students from 57 countries this year, and approximately 26,500 students have graduated from the university to date.

The ceremony began with a mini concert. Students entered the hall in order by faculty and department. The ceremony continued with the National Anthem and a moment of silence; after the National Anthem, the students chanted the slogan 'We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal.' Then a short promotional film of Bahçeşehir University was shown. The opening speeches of the ceremony were delivered by Bahçeşehir University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel and Bahçeşehir University President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın.

"BE OPEN TO THE UNIVERSAL WORLD WHILE PRESERVING YOUR VALUES"

Offering advice to the students in his opening speech, Bahçeşehir University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel said: "You came from every corner and region of the world, from 104 different countries, to Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul and completed your education; I congratulate you. Whatever you do and whatever job you are in, do not forget that BAU is by your side. We know very well that a university draws strength from its graduates and grows with its graduates. Never leave your university alone either. Wherever you go, in every region and every country, open the BAU Global umbrella, raise its flag and carry its understanding of culture everywhere. While preserving your values with respect and love in your region and culture, be open to the universal world as well. Do not confine your culture, and do not close your doors to other cultures. You have been educated to become global citizens; develop this even further."

"WE RAISE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO CREATE JOBS, NOT WHO LOOK FOR JOBS"

Sharing the excitement of graduation with the students, Bahçeşehir University President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın said they were delighted to celebrate their 17th class of graduates this year. Stating that more than 3,000 students would graduate with their diplomas, Yalçın said: "While educating these students, we tried to raise them not only by considering local needs but as young people with the vision to work anywhere in the world. We wanted them to be young people who create jobs, not who look for jobs. The future will hopefully be brighter, because for Türkiye, a global power in its region, to walk confidently into the future, it needs well-educated, self-confident young people, and we are delighted to raise such young people."

AZERBAIJANI SISTERS GRADUATE WITH TOP HONORS

Günel Musayeva, who came from Azerbaijan 5 years ago thanks to Bahçeşehir University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel and studied at Bahçeşehir University on a scholarship, graduated first, while her sister Kheyransa Musayeva received her diploma in third place. Thanking Yücel warmly, the sisters said they were very happy and had been rewarded for their efforts. Underlining that the formula for success lies in hard work, the sisters said they had never been apart throughout their education and had been companions along the way.

"MY FIRST GOAL IS TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION"

Günel Musayeva, an International Finance and Economics student who graduated first, said: "I cannot find words to express my joy; I am so happy. Because when you put in effort, when others teach you something, and you can live up to that effort, you are the happiest person in the world. Bahçeşehir University has truly given me a great deal, especially in terms of education. I had the best experience of this when I was able to study at Syracuse University for a semester, and while I was studying there I saw that our professors at Bahçeşehir University had taught us so well that wherever we go, we can both keep up with the change there and bring something different to the existing system. I want to reflect what I learned while studying here in my own career and work. For now, my first goal is to continue my education."

"BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY RAISED US AS CITIZENS OF THE WORLD"

Kheyransa Musayeva, an International Finance and Business student who graduated third, said she believes that a single moment or coincidence can change a person's life. Musayeva concluded her remarks as follows:

"Today I am living the dream I had 5 years ago; it is indescribable. I am very happy, proud and joyful. While we were studying in Azerbaijan, we had the opportunity to meet Enver Yücel, and he provided us with a scholarship; with his contribution, we came to this university. Bahçeşehir University is a world university; what it has given me is being raised as a citizen of the world and the education I received. I want to continue my academic career and am considering a master's program. Then I want to gain experience through internships and work and become a scientist of the future."