A proud day for Medipol Pharmacy: 305 young pharmacists graduated

Held at the B4 Garden of the South Campus in Kavacık, the 2026 School of Pharmacy Graduation Ceremony was marked by both pride and emotion. A total of 305 students graduated, including 176 from the Turkish Program and 129 from the English Program. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University; Prof. Recep Öztürk, Vice President; Prof. Gülden Zehra Omurtag, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, along with academic and administrative staff, students and their families. 

MEDIPOL'S SIGNATURE ON THE FUTURE OF PHARMACY
In his address, Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, stated that graduation represents far more than a ceremonial occasion, emphasizing that the graduates were embarking on a new chapter in which they would help shape the future of both the nation and humanity. Stressing that universities are not merely institutions that transfer knowledge, Güntürk said:

"Universities are not merely academic institutions that transmit knowledge. They are institutions that produce knowledge, develop technology, guide society, and shape the future."

Güntürk noted that Istanbul Medipol University continues to grow with more than 40,000 students, over 50,000 alumni, a distinguished academic staff, and internationally recognized achievements. He also reminded the audience that the School of Pharmacy had recently received its second six-year accreditation from ECZAKDER.

"This achievement is a strong indicator of the high-quality education we provide to our students and our commitment to continuous improvement."
 

"THE ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IS BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT EVERY DAY"
Addressing the graduates of the School of Pharmacy, Güntürk underlined that the ongoing transformation of healthcare systems has made the role of pharmacists increasingly critical.

"As healthcare systems undergo profound transformation, pharmacists are assuming increasingly important roles in areas ranging from drug development and personalized medicine to biotechnology and artificial intelligence-supported healthcare applications."

Emphasizing that the graduates had been educated to contribute meaningfully to public health, Güntürk stated:

"The pride we witness here today reflects both your dedication and the educational philosophy of our School. I firmly believe that throughout your professional careers, you will continue to contribute to public health and serve humanity under the guidance of science."

Describing a diploma as not an endpoint but a gateway to new opportunities and responsibilities, he added:

"Being a graduate of Istanbul Medipol University means combining science with conscience, using knowledge for the benefit of humanity, and creating value for society."

Concluding his remarks, Güntürk addressed the graduates by saying:

"Today, we are not simply graduating you as pharmacists; we are sending you into the future as entrepreneurs, scientists, and leaders."

A GOWN, A CAP AND A COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Gülden Zehra Omurtag, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, stated that graduation represents a shared achievement not only for the students but also for the academic staff, the families, and the School itself, while reminding graduates of their professional responsibilities.

"Dear graduates, you have successfully completed a long and demanding educational journey. From this day forward, you are no longer merely students; you are young pharmacists who will assume responsibility for protecting and improving public health. You represent a profession founded on science, committed to ethical values, driven by innovation, and dedicated to serving people."

Omurtag emphasized that the graduation gown and cap symbolize far more than the completion of university studies.

"The gown and cap you wear today are not merely symbols of graduation; they also represent your professional responsibilities and the trust society places in you."

Referring to the World Health Organization's concept of the "ten-star pharmacist," Omurtag concluded:

"We expect you to continually update your knowledge, remain open to research, and always place human health at the center of your professional practice."
 

TOP GRADUATES PAID TRIBUTE TO HARD WORK, FAMILY, AND PROFESSIONAL HONOR
Speaking on behalf of the graduates of the Turkish Program, valedictorian Dilay Şensoy described standing at the podium as the top graduate of the School as one of the greatest honors of her life.

"When I look back, I realize that the sleepless nights, the countless hours of hard work, the stress, and even the tears have all found their reward here today."

Calling for a strong commitment to the pharmacy profession in the face of misconceptions, Şensoy said:

"A new chapter begins today. Let us defend our profession with such determination and strength that we prove all our efforts were worthwhile. Let us demonstrate through our education, competence, and scientific knowledge that pharmacists are far more than people who simply dispense medicines from shelves."

She also thanked her family, friends, and professors, delivering an emotional tribute to her mother that deeply moved the audience.

"No matter what happened, I never gave up. I kept going because I wanted you to be proud. Your daughter made it, Mom, and I truly believe you are watching me proudly from somewhere."

Speaking on behalf of the graduates of the English Program, valedictorian Refia Zeynep Mete expressed her gratitude to her family and professors.

"Today, we are leaving this University with far more than a diploma. We take with us our curiosity, our conscience, our integrity, and our responsibility to serve humanity."

She concluded by saying: "I hope we become not only successful pharmacists but also individuals who make lasting contributions to science, society, and humanity. Congratulations to the Class of 2026."
 

THE SCHOOL'S PRIDE: OUTSTANDING GRADUATES WERE HONORED
During the ceremony, plaques were presented to the top-ranking graduates.

In the Turkish Program, Dilay Şensoy graduated first, Fatih Taşçakır second, and Özlem Yazan third.

In the English Program, Refia Zeynep Mete ranked first, Orhan Avunduk second, and Yusuf Ziya Yinanç third.
 

THE PROFESSIONAL OATH BECAME A LIFELONG COMMITMENT
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the professional oath taken by the graduates. Graduates of the Turkish Program took the oath under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Muhammed Davut Arpa, Vice Dean of the School of Pharmacy, while graduates of the English Program were led by Assoc. Prof. Ayşe Esra Karadağ, faculty member of the School of Pharmacy.

Before the oath, Assoc. Prof. Muhammed Davut Arpa emphasized the significance of the commitment the graduates were about to undertake.

"An oath is a moral obligation. Today, these words will leave our lips, but they will become engraved in our hearts and serve as our guiding principles. With this awareness, we will take this oath in the presence of our esteemed professors, who have guided us throughout our education, and our beloved families."

By taking the professional oath before their professors and families, the graduates pledged to uphold human health, ethical values, and scientific responsibility throughout their professional careers. After receiving their diplomas, the newly qualified pharmacists celebrated this milestone by tossing their graduation caps into the air alongside their families and professors.