A new generation ready for the future graduated from Medipol’s Vocational School

The B4 Courtyard of the Kavacık South Campus hosted the excitement and aspirations of Vocational School graduates. The 2026 Graduation Ceremony was held in three sessions and attended by Istanbul Medipol University Vice Rector Prof. Recep Öztürk, Acting Director of the Vocational School Assist. Prof. Eser Kasapoğlu Gesoğlu, and Deputy Director Dr. Lecturer Sibel Özalp, along with faculty members, administrative staff, students and their families. 
 

Graduates from the Oral and Dental Health, Operating Room Services, Anesthesia, Computer Programming, Biomedical Device Technology, Child Development, Dental Prosthetics Technology, Dialysis, Electroneurophysiology, Physiotherapy, First and Emergency Aid, Interior Design, Construction Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, Architectural Restoration, Audiometry, Radiotherapy, Opticianry, Health Institutions Management, Civil Air Transportation Management, Medical Documentation and Secretarial Studies, Medical Imaging Techniques, and Medical Laboratory Techniques programs received their diplomas.
 

PROF. ÖZTÜRK: VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Rector Prof. Recep Öztürk described the Vocational School as a long-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.” he said. Noting that the school has graduated thousands of students to date, Öztürk emphasized that this represents a significant contribution to Türkiye’s development goals. He also highlighted the vital role of vocational education, where theoretical knowledge is immediately translated into practical application.
 

LECTURER GESOĞLU: NEVER STOP LEARNING
Acting Director Lecturer Eser Kasapoğlu Gesoğlu described graduation as not an ending but the beginning of a new journey.

“The world you are entering is changing rapidly. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and technological transformation require professionals to continuously update their knowledge and skills.” she said, emphasizing that graduates are expected to be not only technically competent but also responsible, productive individuals who contribute to society.

“Your diploma is valuable, but what will truly make you strong is your determination to keep learning and your commitment to ethical values. View technology not as a threat but as a powerful tool.” she advised.
 

ASSIST. PROF. ÖZALP: THE AGE WE LIVE IN MAKES CONTINUOUS LEARNING A NECESSITY 
Vice Director Assist. Prof. Sibel Özalp noted that graduation marks the beginning of new responsibilities rather than the end of an educational journey.

“The era we live in demands constant adaptation and lifelong learning. What will carry you into the future is not only the knowledge you possess today but also your willingness to keep learning, your ability to adapt to change, and your commitment to practicing your profession without compromising ethical values.” she said, wishing graduates successful careers guided by both knowledge and conscience. 
 

ERCAN: TODAY IS NOT AN END, BUT THE FIRST STEP TOWARD NEW BEGINNINGS
Speaking on behalf of the first group of graduates, Oral and Dental Health graduate Başak Ercan said, “Today we are celebrating one of the most important milestones of our lives.”

She noted that throughout their education they had grown not only through classroom learning but also through personal experiences, adding, “This journey taught us patience, discipline, and the value of touching people's lives.”  
 

ÖGTEM: WE HAVE LEARNED TO ADD VALUE TO PEOPLE'S LIVES 
Representing the second group, Interior Design graduate Adem Ögtem said it was a great honor to address his fellow graduates.

“During our years in the Interior Design program, we learned not only how to design spaces but also how to dream, solve problems, and add value to people's lives.” he said before expressing his gratitude to his family and faculty members.
 

ILHAN: TODAY IS NOT THE END; NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION 
Representing the third group, Civil Air Transportation Management valedictorian Hasan Hüseyin İlhan described the occasion as a proud moment.

“The two years that have passed since we first enrolled have gone by in the blink of an eye. As we close one chapter of our lives, we are opening another.” he said. Referring to pioneering figures in Turkish aviation history, including Nuri Demirağ, Vecihi Hürkuş, and Sabiha Gökçen, İlhan also expressed his gratitude to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and shared his aspirations for the future.

He concluded by saying, “Today is not an ending. Now is the time to prepare, take the first step, and set out on your own path.” before thanking his family and instructors.
 

TOP GRADUATES HONORED
Students who graduated at the top of their programs were presented with achievement plaques.

Among the honorees were Rüveyda Çavuş (Oral and Dental Health), Halime Yılmaz (Operating Room Services), Imen Mzoughi (Anesthesia), Rabia Akbaş (Computer Programming), Meriç Kök (Computer Programming – Evening Program), Zeynep Sude Arslan (Child Development), Elif Kargacı (Dental Prosthetics Technology), Esra Nur Güneş (Dialysis), Dora Öykü Hasköy (Electroneurophysiology), Feyzanur Bilir (Physiotherapy), Yahya Vatankoruyan (First and Emergency Aid), Ravza Nur Kuyumcu (Interior Design), Batuhan Çalık (Interior Design – Evening Program), Erdem Aksu (Construction Technology), Abdullah Erdi Dönmez (Construction Technology – Evening Program), Rümeysa Arslan (Occupational Health and Safety), Hilal Çil (Architectural Restoration), Muhammed Yasin Kurtuluş (Architectural Restoration – Evening Program), Meryem Güneri (Audiometry), Kardelen Şahin (Radiotherapy), Tuğba Atakul (Opticianry), Hatice Korkmaz (Health Institutions Management), Hasan Hüseyin İlhan (Civil Air Transportation Management), Havin Dinç and Saliha Sarıhan (Medical Documentation and Secretarial Studies), Nisanur Telli (Medical Imaging Techniques), and Tamer Ün (Medical Laboratory Techniques).

The plaques were presented by Acting Director Lecturer Eser Kasapoğlu Gesoğlu and Vice Director Lecturer Dr. Sibel Özalp.
 

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The ceremony also recognized Interior Design students for their contributions to community service projects throughout their studies. Students who volunteered in the projects From Tradition to the Future: Play, In Pursuit of Play, and My Pencil Case, My Colors received certificates of appreciation for their dedication.

The certificates were presented by Lecturer Can Durmuş to Adem Ögtem, Yağız Efe Kasap, Enes Yılmazer, Çağlanur Karagöz, Ebrar Yılmaz, Duygu Kılçık, Nehir Kök, Yağmur Cansu Ünal, Sinan Kantarcı, Eymen Genç, Büşra Yıldız, Şevval Tiryaki, Nisanur Zorbacı, Medine Erbay, Ayşe Dede, and Burak Tulcay. 
 

“A GRADUATION MEMORY” FILM SCREENING FOLLOWED BY CAP-THROWING CELEBRATIONS 
During the ceremony, the animated film titled “A Graduation Memory”  produced by the Press and Publications Office for the 2026 Graduation Ceremonies, was screened. Following the screening, which was filled with emotional moments, the students celebrated their graduation by tossing their caps into the air.