Knowledge, skills and ethics combined at Medipol’s Vocational School of Social Sciences graduation ceremony


The 2026 Graduation Ceremony of Istanbul Medipol University’s Vocational School of Social Sciences was held at the B4 Courtyard of the South Campus. Students received their diplomas to the applause of their families and faculty members. The ceremony was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Recep Öztürk, Director of the Vocational School of Social Sciences Prof. Rana Atabay Kuşçu, academic and administrative staff, students and their families.
 

Graduates from the Accounting and Tax Applications, Applied English Translation, Banking and Insurance, Business Management, Civil Aviation and Cabin Services,Finance, Foreign Trade, Human Resources Management, Logistics, Public Relations and Advertising,Social Services,Sports Management programs received their diplomas. 
 

PROF. ÖZTÜRK: VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT
Speaking at the ceremony, Istanbul Medipol University Vice Rector Prof. Recep Öztürk stated that the Vocational School of Social Sciences is a well-established institution that prepares qualified professionals for Türkiye’s administrative, commercial and service sectors.

“Vocational education is not only the backbone of a country's economic growth but also the foundation of its independent production capacity and its ability to stand on its own in the field.” said Öztürk. He noted that the school has graduated 3,279 students to date, emphasizing that this figure reflects its significant contribution to Türkiye’s development goals.
 

PROF. KUŞÇU: THE PROFESSIONALS OF THE FUTURE WILL NEVER STOP LEARNING
Director of the Vocational School of Social Sciences Prof. Rana Atabay Kuşçu described graduation as not an ending but the beginning of a new journey.

“The world you are graduating into is changing rapidly. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, data literacy, sustainability and intercultural communication are now at the heart of professional life.” she said. Kuşçu emphasized that graduates are expected not only to become competent employees but also to be individuals who think critically, question, collaborate and place people at the center of their work.

“Your diploma is valuable, but what will truly make you strong is your courage to continue learning. See technology not as a threat but as a powerful tool. Never lose your sense of conscience, kindness or justice.” she advised the graduates.
 

GRADUATES EMPHASIZE GRATITUDE AND HOPE
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Zümrüt Ürselendi reflected on the knowledge, discipline and ethical values she gained during her education.

“Two years ago, we began this journey with great hopes. Some of us came to a new city, some left our families for the first time, and some took one step closer to a lifelong dream. We faced challenges, exams, sleepless nights and moments when we doubted ourselves. But today, looking back, we realize that every difficulty made us stronger, more aware and better prepared.” she said, expressing her gratitude to her family and instructors.

“Today is not an ending but the first day of many new beginnings. True success lies in honoring the value of our diplomas through hard work, productivity and contributing to society. Although we will all follow different paths from now on, the friendships, memories and values we gained here will remain with us for life.” Ürselendi added.
 

TOP GRADUATES HONORED
Students who graduated at the top of their programs were presented with achievement plaques. The honorees included Ece Şengel (Banking and Insurance), Erva Sema Karaçam (Foreign Trade), İrem Demirtaş (Human Resources Management), Selen Karaarslan (Public Relations and Publicity), Sude Tuzcuoğlu (Business Management), Taha Buğra Akpınar (Logistics), Elif Baş (Court Office Services), Meryem Rana Su Akduman (Public Finance), Furkan Emir Demirler (Accounting and Tax Applications), Ebrar Sena Sütçü (Radio and Television Programming), Ebrar Nazar Kalaman (Civil Aviation Cabin Services), Canan Refref (Social Services), Samet Mert Topçu (Sports Management), Tayyip Emin Ofli (Applied English Translation), and Zeynep Gökalp and Eda Keleş (Applied English Translation – Evening Program).

The plaques were presented by Prof. Rana Atabay Kuşçu, Director of the Vocational School of Social Sciences. 
 

A CELEBRATION OF JOY AND REMEMBRANCE
Following the diploma presentation, graduates celebrated by tossing their caps into the air. The ceremony concluded with commemorative photographs taken with faculty members and families. Graduates also paid tribute with respect and gratitude to lecturer Gülnihal Karamanlı, remembering her lasting contributions to their education.