460 new educators graduated from Medipol

The 2026 Graduation Ceremony of the School of Education at Istanbul Medipol University was held at the B4 Garden of the Kavacık South Campus, where graduates celebrated the completion of their academic journey. A total of 460 students from the Primary Mathematics Education,English Language Teaching, Early Childhood Teaching, Special Education Teaching, and Counselor Education (Turkish and English Programs) shared the excitement of graduation with their families and instructors. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Recep Öztürk, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University; Prof. Servet Bayram, Dean of the School of Education; as well as academic staff, administrative personnel, students, and their families. 
 

"Today, we are sending off 460 young teachers, counselors, and educators as the newest members of our nation's education workforce, with great hope, to the schools and institutions where they will serve and to the students eagerly awaiting them."

Öztürk noted that the total number of graduates from the School has now reached 2,086, emphasizing that this achievement reflects the dedication of both academic staff and families. He stressed that university education extends far beyond the transmission of knowledge.

"We regard university education not merely as the transfer of mechanical knowledge, but as a profound process of cultivating character and spirit."
 

"AN EDUCATOR IS SOMEONE WHO TOUCHES THE CONSCIENCE OF SOCIETY"
Öztürk also highlighted the University's commitment to quality and research, referring to Istanbul Medipol University's five-year Full Institutional Accreditation awarded by the Higher Education Quality Council and the accreditation of three programs within the School of Education by EPDAD.

Addressing the graduates, he emphasized that educators carry a tremendous responsibility in a world challenged by wars, injustice, and inequality. He underlined the importance of educators maintaining a strong moral and humanitarian stance.

"As educators, you are not merely individuals who teach curricula; you are ambassadors of peace who protect human nature, fight tirelessly against ignorance in society and the absence of compassion in people's hearts. It is you who will help rebuild this weary world damaged by humanity and insatiable ambition with justice, the inexhaustible compassion in your hearts, and the enlightenment of your minds and your pens."

Referring to the educational philosophy of Nurettin Topçu, Öztürk stated that teaching represents far more than an ordinary profession. He encouraged graduates to remain guided by reason, conscience, ethics, and science throughout their professional lives, concluding:

"May your journey as educators always remain bright, and may your future be filled with success."
 

PROF. BAYRAM EMPHASIZED SCIENCE, ETHICS, AND HUMAN-CENTERED EDUCATION
Prof. Servet Bayram, Dean of the School of Education, described graduation as the culmination of a shared journey of dedication and achievement by students, families, and faculty members. He acknowledged the patience, faith, and sacrifices of parents as indispensable to their children's success.

Bayram emphasized that graduates had been educated not only as professionals but also as individuals guided by science, capable of critical thinking, committed to ethical values, and dedicated to lifelong learning.

"Today you are graduating. As psychological counselors, special education teachers, preschool teachers, mathematics teachers, and English language teachers, you will serve in one of the most critical fields of society."

He added that teaching and psychological counseling require far more than imparting knowledge.

"These professions require not only transferring knowledge, but also touching people's lives, reaching their hearts, guiding their development, and helping shape future generations."
 

"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SHOULD SUPPORT HUMAN-CENTERED EDUCATION"
Bayram also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in education, stressing the importance of using the technology ethically and responsibly.

"Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that supports teaching, enables personalized learning, and facilitates professional practice. However, it is essential to use this power wisely, to regard it as a tool rather than an end in itself, and always to remain human-centered."

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alumni relations, encouraging graduates to become part of a professional network where they could continue sharing knowledge and experience. Bayram concluded by wishing the graduates a future guided by science, enriched through responsible use of technology, and dedicated to improving people's lives.
 

FROM A CHILDHOOD DREAM TO THE GRADUATION PODIUM
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Zeynep Tahmaz, valedictorian of the English Language Teaching Program, reflected on her journey from childhood dreams of becoming a teacher to standing at the graduation podium.

"When I was in the first grade, arranging my toys in front of me and teaching them what I had learned at school, I never imagined that one day I would stand here delivering this graduation speech."

Tahmaz emphasized that graduation represents not merely an ending but also recognition of years of dedication and perseverance.

"Today is not only a graduation day; it is also a day to appreciate the effort we have invested, the patience we have shown, and how far we have come."
 

OUTSTANDING GRADUATES RECEIVED COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES
Students who graduated at the top of their programs were presented with commemorative plaques. Mustafa Talha Karagöz, valedictorian of the Primary Mathematics Education Program; Zeynep Tahmaz, valedictorian of the English Language Teaching Program; Naz Türkseven, valedictorian of the Preschool Education Program; Ebrar Kara, valedictorian of the Special Education Teaching Program; Tuğba Çağdaş, valedictorian of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Turkish Program; and Ece Kavaklı and Eda Erol, co-valedictorians of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling English Program, were recognized for their academic achievements.

The awards were presented by Prof. Recep Öztürk, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University, and Prof. Servet Bayram, Dean of the School of Education.
 

A MEANINGFUL TRIBUTE TO PALESTINE DURING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY
During the ceremony, Palestinian student Muhammed paid tribute to the people of his homeland by displaying a Palestinian flag on his keffiyeh while on stage. Declaring, "We will not forget our martyrs." he honored those who had lost their lives in Palestine.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates received their diplomas from their instructors and posed for commemorative photographs with their families and friends. Celebrating together, they tossed their graduation caps into the air to mark the beginning of a new chapter in their professional lives. Waving Turkish flags and holding colorful banners, the graduates added a festive atmosphere to the ceremony as the pride and joy of the occasion were shared with their families.