School of Communication celebrated its seventh graduating class in its 10th anniversary year

The 2026 Graduation Ceremony of the School of Communication at Istanbul Medipol University was held at the B4 Garden of the South Campus in Kavacık. Families, academic staff, and members of the University administration joined students from the Departments of Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising (Turkish Program), Public Relations and Advertising (English Program), Media and Visual Arts, Radio, Television and Cinema, and New Media and Communication in celebrating their graduation. 

During the ceremony, a video message from Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, was broadcast, while Prof. Ali Büyükaslan, Dean of the School of Communication, and Nazar Karakuş, valedictorian of the School of Communication, delivered speeches.

GRADUATES WHO BUILD THE FUTURE, NOT JUST PREDICT IT
In his recorded message, Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, addressed the graduates and their families, stating that graduation marks not only the completion of an academic journey but also the beginning of a new chapter in which young people will help shape the future of both the nation and humanity.

Emphasizing that universities are far more than institutions that merely transmit 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."

Highlighting that Istanbul Medipol University continues to grow with more than 40,000 students, over 50,000 graduates, a distinguished academic staff and international achievements, Güntürk stated that the University's goal is to become a research university that generates scientific knowledge, develops technology, creates value for humanity, and shapes the future.
 

"MEDIPOL'S VISION IS NOT TO FOLLOW, BUT TO LEAD"
Referring to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, Güntürk noted that humanity is experiencing a profound transformation that is redefining professions, modes of production, and ways of accessing knowledge. He stressed that the responsibility of universities has also evolved, emphasizing that students must be prepared not only for today's professions but also for fields that have yet to emerge.

Güntürk explained that Istanbul Medipol University does not regard artificial intelligence merely as a technical field belonging to engineering and computer sciences, but as an integral component of education across all disciplines, from health sciences and law to communication and business.

Concluding his remarks, Güntürk said:

"Our goal is not merely to educate graduates who use artificial intelligence. Our goal is to educate individuals who develop artificial intelligence, define its ethical boundaries, create new applications, and establish the standards of the future."
 

"COMMUNICATION LIES AT THE HEART OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIES"
In his address, Prof. Ali Büyükaslan, Dean of the School of Communication, stated that as the School marks its 10th anniversary since beginning its academic journey in 2016, it takes great pride in sending its seventh graduating class into the profession and society.

Emphasizing that communication education extends far beyond theoretical knowledge taught in classrooms, Büyükaslan described it as a multidimensional discipline that touches every aspect of life.

"Interpreting underlying meanings, reading signs, analyzing body language, developing discourse, strengthening persuasive strategies, imagining new worlds while writing scripts, and transporting audiences into entirely different worlds through design are all integral components of our educational philosophy."

Büyükaslan noted that communication has become not only an academic discipline but also a strategic force at both the national and international levels, adding that the School adopts an educational approach designed to prepare students for both life and the professional world.

A SCHOOL EXPERIENCE STRENGTHENED THROUGH PRACTICE
Büyükaslan highlighted industry collaborations, internship opportunities, social responsibility projects, student club activities, and the practical training units within the Media Center as some of the School's greatest strengths. He stated that feedback from previous graduates demonstrates the significant contribution of these opportunities to students' professional development and expressed his hope that the new graduates would share similar positive experiences.

Referring to the strong relationship established with students throughout their education, Büyükaslan remarked: "Whenever you took one step toward us during these four years, we took three steps toward you." He noted that the School has consistently maintained an open-door policy.

Büyükaslan also stated that the School has made every effort to educate graduates who stay informed about current developments, value critical thinking, respect the past, and possess a strong sense of responsibility toward their country and society. He added that the support provided by families played a significant role in students' success throughout this journey.

Describing graduation not as an ending but as the continuation of an ongoing journey, Büyükaslan concluded: "That journey now continues, and just as we have stood beside them until today, we will continue to stand beside them in the future."
 

SUCCESS ACHIEVED THROUGH DEDICATION AND PERSEVERANCE
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Nazar Karakuş, valedictorian of the School of Communication, said it was a great honor to address the audience as the top graduate of the School, describing the achievement as the meaningful result of years of dedication.

Karakuş emphasized that success should not be evaluated solely by its outcome. "What gives success its true meaning is not merely the result achieved, but the dedication, patience, and perseverance demonstrated throughout the journey."

Karakuş continued:

"What we learned at this School was never limited to theoretical knowledge alone. Our professors taught us how to think, how to question, and how to view both our profession and life from different perspectives." 
 

Karakuş expressed gratitude to family members, friends, and the professors of the School of Communication who had supported this educational journey. Describing graduation as the threshold of new beginnings rather than an ending, Karakuş stated:

"As we reach the end of this journey today, I know that none of us has truly reached a final destination; we are simply standing at the threshold of new beginnings."

Inspired by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "Turkish youth will continue toward its goal tirelessly and without losing heart," Karakuş said that the graduates would continue illuminating the future of the country in the light of the legacy entrusted to them.
 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR DEPARTMENT VALEDICTORIANS
Students who ranked first in their respective departments were also recognized during the ceremony. Ali Osman Türkoğlu, valedictorian of the Department of Journalism; Nazar Karakuş, valedictorian of the Public Relations and Publicity Turkish Program; Anastasiia Shelenkova and Rojin Baghi, co-valedictorians of the Public Relations and Publicity English Program; Yeşim Genç, valedictorian of the Department of Media and Visual Arts; Zeynep İkbal Çavuşoğlu, valedictorian of the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema and Selçuk Çelik, valedictorian of the Department of New Media and Communication, received commemorative plaques.

The plaques were presented by Prof. Ali Büyükaslan, Dean of the School of Communication, after which the students posed for commemorative photographs with him.
 

A JOYFUL FAREWELL WITH GRADUATION CAPS IN THE AIR
Following the diploma presentation, the graduates tossed their caps into the air, bidding a joyful farewell to their university years. Sharing their excitement with their families, professors, and friends, the young communication professionals concluded the ceremony with commemorative photographs.