The Bursa Technical University (BTU) 2024–2025 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony was held in a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere. During the ceremony, which also marked the 15th anniversary of the university, nearly one thousand students experienced the joy of graduation and received their diplomas.

The ceremony took place at the Mimar Sinan Campus and was attended by Regional Court of Justice President Abdulkadir Şahin, Deputy Governor of Bursa Kadir Sertel Otcu, AK Party Bursa Provincial Chairman Davut Gürkan, Mayor of Yıldırım Oktay Yılmaz, Rector of Mudanya University Prof. Dr. Emin Karip, members of the provincial protocol, representatives of professional chambers, the business community, NGOs, and the families of the graduates.

Delivering the opening speech, BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar emphasized that graduation is not a farewell but the beginning of a lifelong journey. “Graduation is not a goodbye for us; it is the start of a new companionship. The future will be shaped by your intellect, conscience, and determination, and we will always stand by you,” he said.

“This achievement is the result of a shared dream”

Sharing the pride and excitement of nearly one thousand graduates, Rector Çağlar stated, “Today, we are all filled with pride. This success is not merely the result of individual effort, but the outcome of a shared dream built with patience and dedication. Each of us has contributed to this achievement; we built this day together.”

“Our guest students became the voice of hope”

Noting that BTU hosts students from 91 different countries, Rector Çağlar highlighted the hardships faced by some international students.

“Among our 35 students from Palestine, two are graduating today, while many have lost their homes and first-degree relatives under the Israeli genocide. Two students from East Turkistan carry in their hearts the oppression and pressure their families face. Meanwhile, eight students from Ukraine continue their lives under the shadow of conflict, hoping to receive news from their loved ones,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Rector Çağlar emphasized that the students’ courageous, conscientious, and honorable stance throughout the year was a source of hope. “Our students stood on the side of peace and humanity against war and genocide. Their activities and marches were symbols of conscience and human dignity. We hope that peace will prevail throughout the world as soon as possible,” he added.

“We proudly celebrate BTU’s 15th anniversary”

Recalling the 15th anniversary of BTU’s establishment, Rector Çağlar stated that despite being a young university, BTU has achieved significant success.

“Founded in 2010, we continue our journey as a dynamic, strong, and ambitious technical university. With the knowledge and experience you have gained here, you will contribute to our country’s development and the National Technology Initiative,” he said.

“You will build the future; we are with you”

Emphasizing that graduates remain permanent members and strong representatives of the BTU family, Rector Çağlar noted, “Graduation is not a farewell but the beginning of a new companionship. We believe you will represent our university in the best possible way with your knowledge, character, and values. The future will be shaped by your intellect, conscience, and will.”

Advice to graduates

Rector Çağlar also offered life advice to students:

• View technology as a tool and keep your originality at the forefront.
• Use artificial intelligence, but always let your own thinking lead.
• Make a difference not only with your knowledge but also with your ethical stance and social responsibility.
• Manage your time well; do not equate success solely with happiness.
• Learn from your mistakes and never abandon honesty.
• Focus on what you contribute to life, not on what life takes from you.

He concluded by saying, “May your path always be bright and your heart full of hope. May your journey be blessed.”

Congratulations from the protocol

Deputy Governor of Bursa Kadir Sertel Otcu congratulated the graduates, stating, “Today, our students are opening a new door and stepping into a new phase of their lives. I wish them success and happiness, and hope that the knowledge they have gained will benefit our nation, country, and humanity.”

Mayor of Yıldırım Oktay Yılmaz also congratulated the graduates, saying, “The diplomas you receive today are not merely certificates of education, but symbols of your responsibility to this land.”

Plaque ceremony and cap-tossing celebration

Following the opening speeches, a plaque was presented to Emine Şener, a Computer Engineering student from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, who graduated as the top-ranked student with a GPA of 3.96. A cake-cutting ceremony was then held to celebrate BTU’s 15th anniversary.

After plaques were awarded to students ranking in their faculties, graduates took the stage by departments. The Bursa Technical University 2025 Graduation Ceremony concluded with the joyful cap-tossing of nearly one thousand graduates from 5 faculties and 26 departments.