At the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences celebrated the graduation of its 29th class with a grand ceremony. Two hundred fifty students from the Physical Education and Sports, Coaching Education, Sports Management, and Recreation departments graduated.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Yaşar Doğu Sports Sciences Sports Hall, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Terzi, Dean of the Faculty Prof. Dr. Murat Eliöz, Vice Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bade Yamak and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yıldırım Kayacan, academics, students, and their families.

Vice-Rector Terzi: "Behind Every Gown Lies Great Talent"

In his opening speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Terzi reflected on his own graduation: "The Yaşar Doğu Sports Hall, where your graduation is taking place today, holds a special place in my heart as my own graduation occurred here 20 years ago. OMU is a prestigious university that I always mention in every conference or meeting I attend. I am sure that behind every gown you wear today lies great talent. As a graduate of OMU's Faculty of Sports Sciences, you will represent our country in various sports fields just as previous graduates have. You are the individuals who will most likely lead to the Turkish flag being carried and our National Anthem being sung. Of course, the professors who have been with you during your education have played a significant role in your success."

"We Have Full Confidence in Your Future Success"

Continuing his speech, Terzi said: "Four years ago, you embarked on this journey, starting with an exam and a practical assessment to gain admission to the faculty. We have full confidence that you will represent us well in your respective fields. As you know, we are in the digital age, and multidisciplinary work is essential. After you leave here, make sure to register with the Alumni Coordination and always stay in touch with us and your professors. I believe your future successes will always make your families and us proud."

Dean Eliöz: "Remember, Ondokuz Mayıs University is Your Home and Will Always Be"

At the ceremony, Dean Prof. Dr. Murat Eliöz expressed his pride: "We are proud to send our students into the future and help build the nation's tomorrow. I wholeheartedly share the joy of your graduation and congratulate you and your families. OMU continues its mission of training well-equipped individuals who will work for our country and humanity in line with scientific and contemporary values, as it has in the past. As the 2023-2024 graduates, you had to complete part of your education remotely due to the pandemic and earthquake disasters. Rest assured, as the Faculty of Sports Sciences, we have done our best to ensure these adversities did not affect your education."

"Believing in the Power of Sports, We Will Achieve Greater Goals and Add Value to Society"

Yağmur Naz Aydın, who completed her four-year education with top honors, said: "Standing before you today as the valedictorian of Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences is a great honor and joy for me. Dear professors, you have been our guides in this challenging yet enjoyable journey. Your knowledge, experience, and belief in us have brought us to this point. You not only imparted academic knowledge but also instilled in us the spirit, discipline, and ethics of sports. I extend my heartfelt thanks for the invaluable knowledge and experiences you have shared with us over these years. Today, we are here, united by the unifying power of sports and science, and the achievements we have gained are just the beginning. Believing in the power of sports science and sports, we will reach greater goals and add value to society. Each of us will use our talents and knowledge to contribute to society as healthy and successful individuals."

Following the speeches, gifts, and certificates of achievement were presented to the top-ranking students. The ceremony concluded with the graduates tossing their caps after taking the teacher's oath.