Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) 2025–2026 Academic Year Faculty of Dentistry Graduation Ceremony witnessed emotional moments filled with pride and excitement. As a leading institution dedicated to raising qualified human resources in the field of health for Türkiye, BEUN bid farewell to 106 young dentists who have been trained with knowledge, conscience, and a strong sense of professional responsibility as they stepped into their professional careers.
The ceremony held at Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center was attended by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. Hakkı Özölçer, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu and Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz, senate members, academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.
Commencing with a moment of silence for the honorary martyrs and singing of the National Anthem, the program continued with the speech of faculty valedictorian.
Emotional Speech from Valedictorian Altınbarın
Completing the Faculty of Dentistry as a Valedictorian, Tuğba Altınbarın shared her feelings and thoughts with the audience in her speech she gave on behalf of all graduates. Emphasizing that university years are not just about the academic process but a life experience where patience, labor, friendship, and professional responsibility are learnt, Altınbarın stated that her achievement today is a result of big sacrifices and dedication.
She extended her thanks to Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his efforts to develop Faculty of Dentistry, educational infrastructure and student focused initiatives as well as her professors who guided the students with their knowledge and experience. Congratulating all her graduating students, Altınbarın completed her speech expressing her gratitude to her family who has always been there.
Dean Sağlam: “We Raise Well-Equipped Dentists”
Taking the floor following the valedictorian, the Dean of Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Baran Can Sağlam made evaluations on the development of the faculty, scientific studies, and qualified human resources. Highlighting that Faculty of Dentistry has improved the quality of education since it was established and become a significant center in the region and Türkiye, Sağlam stated that they continue to raise successful doctors with its academic staff, modern application areas, and patient focused educational approach. Emphasizing that graduation day is not just about a farewell but the beginning of their professional careers to serve the human health, Sağlam congratulated the graduating students. Expressing his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. İsamail Hakkı Özölçer for his support to the academic and physical development of the faculty, Sağlam extended his thanks to all academics and families of the students for being there for the students.
Rector Özölçer: “You are the Future of Our Nation and Humanity”
In his speech on the meaning and significance of the day, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer commemorated the students who lost their lives in the Kahramanmaraş eartquakes and added the following:
“Today I commemorate our 12 valuable students with mercy, gratitude, and prayers, who passed on the eternity including Zehra Haras who was supposed to experience the joy of graduating here with us. May God Protect our nation and homeland from all kinds of disasters.”
Highligting that 754 dentists raised at the faculty contribute to the health services all around Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Özölçer stated that he believes 106 dentists graduating today will serve people with the same sense of responsibility and added:
“You are stepping into a new phase in your life taking your diplomas. You will naturally be tired during this journey and encounter hardships. I ask you not to lose your patience, determination, and belief. Walk on this path to reach your goals. You are not just a graduate, you are health professionals shaping the future of this country and people. Being a doctor is not merely doing a job, but a responsibility to heal the sick, share the pain, and to bring healing. Be of sound judgement and a heart of integrity all your professional lives. I believe you will empower the health system with your knbowledge, ethical values, and human love. I wish your graduation be auspicious and beneficial and congratulate you all for your success.”
Altınbarın Hammered Her Name into the Ceremonial Log
Following the speeches, the valedictorian of the Faculty of Dentistry for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, Tuğba Altınbarın, hammered a plaque bearing her name into the graduation log in the presence of her family, leaving her achievement as a lasting mark in the history of the University. As part of the program, plaques and certificates of achievement were presented to faculty valedictorian Tuğba Altınbarın, second-place graduate Duygu Sağkol, and third-place graduate Pelin Nida Melek.
Students Celebrated Their Graduation by Tossing Their Caps
Then the graduation oath ceremony where students took an oath to remain committed to ethical principles, respect towards people, and professional responsibilities. Following the oath ceremony, students celebrated their graduation with great enthusiasm and excitement by tossing their caps into the air and sharing their joy with their families, friends, and academics. The program, which concluded with commemorative photographs, created unforgettable memories for the graduates and their families.
