2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR GRADUATION AND OATH CEREMONY

Our Faculty celebrated the 2023-2024 Academic Year graduation and oath ceremony with great enthusiasm on June 11^th, 2024 at the Akdeniz Kültür Merkezi of our University. the ceremony was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Ahmet Hakan ÖZTÜRK, Dean Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Fethi Atıl, General Secretary of the TEB 25th Region Mersin Pharmacists Association Pharm. Oktay ASLAN, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Güney Pharmacy Cooperative Pharm. Tarkan BİR, faculty members, administrative staff, graduating students, and their families.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a musical performance by our Faculty's Music Group, including Res. Asst. Ercan ADAR and students Baran Atlı, Asya Oktay, and Zelal Çiçek. A video showcasing the experiences of the graduating students over the past five years was shown, and the graduates were then invited to the hall with enthusiasm.

After the students took their places, a video prepared by friends of our student Fedva Ela Güleryüz, who passed away in the February 6^th earthquake, was shown. A floral tribute was placed in front of a portrait of the student.

The graduation and oath ceremony proceeded with opening speeches.

“Our Graduates Have Been Trained to Uphold Ethical Values and Respect All Principles”

Vice-Rector Prof. Ahmet Hakan ÖZTÜRK began his speech by acknowledging the pride of the families and sharing in the sense of pride. He remarked, “We share and partake in your feelings. While we might not feel exactly as you do, we also experience a similar pride. This rightful pride belongs mostly to you. You have been well-trained and are now professionals. Today, you graduate and take an oath. You have been prepared to serve humanity, adhering to ethical values and the philosophy of lifelong learning, without discrimination. I am confident that you will serve the country, the nation, society, and humanity in the best way possible. The greatest thanks go to the families for their sacrifices.”

Prof. Öztürk also highlighted the transition from student life to professional service. He encouraged the graduates to continue their personal development and acknowledged the significant support from institutions like cooperatives and associations, as well as the faculty’s efforts. He concluded, “Always maintain the smile on your face. Approach your patients with a smiling face, empathy, and good communication. The treatment of patients starts with love and respect. May your smile and love for humanity never fade. I wish you all a bright future and success in your careers.”

“Our Faculty is One of the 14 Accredited Pharmacy Faculties in Turkey”

Dean Prof. Necmiye Canacankatan spoke about the evolution of pharmacy practice from traditional methods to modern pharmaceutical technology and patient-centered approaches. She emphasized the importance of accreditation in maintaining high educational standards and noted that our Faculty is one of the 14 accredited pharmacy schools in Turkey. She thanked all stakeholders, including the University Rectorate, faculty members, administrative staff, and external partners like the Mersin Pharmacists Association and Güney Pharmacy Cooperative.

“We Take Pride in the Pharmacists Who Provide Quality Healthcare Guided by Knowledge, Conscience, and Science”

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Güney Pharmacy Cooperative Pharm. Tarkan BİR expressed the significance of the pharmacy profession and the pride in being a pharmacist. He also addressed employment challenges and efforts to create job opportunities. 

“We Will Strengthen Our Strength and Solve Problems Faster with Our New Colleagues”

Mersin Pharmacists Association General Secretary Pharm. Oktay ASLAN spoke about the graduates joining the professional community and the ongoing support provided to them. He also mentioned plans for accreditation and training.

“Today, I Take Pride in Being the Top of My Class”

The top graduate of the year, Pharm. Burçin DÜŞKÜN reflected on the journey and the support received from family, friends, and faculty. She pledged to continue striving for excellence in the field.

“From Now on, We Are the Pharmacists Who Will Advance Our Profession”

Fifth-year representative Pharm. Mustafa BÜYÜKAYA expressed pride in the profession and gratitude to all those who supported the students throughout their academic journey.

Following the speeches, the top graduate Burçin Düşkün received her diploma and plaque from Vice Rector Prof.  Ahmet Hakan ÖZTÜRK. Diplomas were presented to other top graduates by Dean Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Fethi ATIL, Pharm. Oktay ASLAN, Pharm. Tarkan BİR, and faculty members. A plaque was added to the memorial tree by Pharm. Burçin Düşkün on behalf of the 18th-term graduates.

The ceremony concluded with the oath taken by the graduates, led by Asst. Prof. Meryem TEMİZ REŞİTOĞLU, and the graduates’ joyful cap toss.