Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of contributions to education, science, and culture since its establishment on April 1, 1975.
The celebration event, held in front of the Medical Faculty lecture halls, began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument.
The ceremony was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, General Secretary Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, academic and administrative staff, university students, teachers and students from OMU Foundation College, and OMU Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.
“We are here to share our hopes and goals for the future”
Speaking on the occasion of OMU’s 50th anniversary, Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın stated, “We are here today to commemorate our half-century journey of education, science, and culture, and to share our hopes and goals for the future. Our university began its educational journey with 50 students on April 1, 1975. Initially, the Samsun Faculty of Medicine, which started its education in 1973 affiliated with Hacettepe University, joined OMU. Subsequently, the Faculty of Science and Engineering was established in 1975, followed by the Faculty of Agriculture in 1976. In 1982, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Theology were incorporated into our university. In 2006 and 2007, certain departments from Ondokuz Mayıs University led to the establishment of three new universities in Amasya, Ordu, and Sinop. This chain's fourth and final link was Samsun University, established in 2018."
“We have become one of Türkiye’s strongest higher education institutions”
Highlighting OMU’s continuous growth towards becoming a research university with a global mission, Rector Aydın continued her speech:
"Today, our university, with over 6,000 administrative and academic staff and nearly 50,000 students, holds significant potential. With its faculties, vocational schools, institutes, research centers, Technology Transfer Office, Technopark, and healthcare research hospitals, OMU continues its journey with determination and commitment. We aim to position Ondokuz Mayıs University as a robust research university at the national and international levels. Guided by this vision, we remain committed to investing more in scientific research, enhancing academic standards, and transforming generated knowledge for the benefit of society."
“We are aware of the significant responsibilities this heritage places upon us”
Acknowledging the substantial legacy of the past 50 years, Rector Aydın remarked, “We are fully aware of the significant responsibilities this heritage places upon us. With this awareness, we continue our duties with the motivation to embed the improvements achieved at our university permanently and to advance these achievements further.”
“I wish the 50th anniversary brings health, peace, and success to the OMU Family and our country”
Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın concluded her speech by saying, “On this occasion, I extend my gratitude to the Ondokuz Mayıs University Founders' Association, now transformed into the Ondokuz Mayıs University Foundation, particularly our Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Tahsin Tuncalı, and all administrators who contributed to our university’s development. I thank our provincial protocol, academic and administrative staff, students, and the entire Ondokuz Mayıs University family for their unwavering support. I respectfully and gratefully remember our departed members. Thank you for honoring us on this joyous day. I sincerely hope that the 50th anniversary brings health, peace, and success to the OMU family and our country, and I greet you all with love and respect.”
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