As Beykoz University, we proudly celebrated and bid farewell to our graduates of the 2025–2026 Academic Year with a remarkable commencement ceremony. Held at Beykoz Municipality Beykoz Sports Forest, the joyful event saw approximately 1,000 students receive their diplomas and experience the excitement of graduation.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Beykoz District Governor Dr. Fatih Ürkmezer and Acting Mayor of Beykoz Özlem Vural Gürzel, alongside other members of the local government protocol. Chairman of the Board of Trustees Engin Özmen, members of the Board of Trustees, Rector Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay, members of the University Advisory Board, our esteemed academics, graduates, and their families also took part in this proud occasion.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the opening speech delivered by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay. In her address, Acting Mayor of Beykoz Özlem Vural Gürzel emphasized, “Today, you are graduating from a highly respected university that bears the name of Beykoz, one of Istanbul’s most beautiful districts, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.” Beykoz District Governor Dr. Fatih Ürkmezer highlighted the important role of Beykoz University in higher education and congratulated the graduating students.
Following the opening speeches, honor certificates were presented to the top-ranking graduates.
The University Valedictorian, Ayşe Zeynep Sezen, a graduate of the Radio, Television and Cinema Program within the Faculty of Art and Design, received her honor certificate from Chairman of the Board of Trustees Engin Özmen and Rector Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay.
This year, the title of University Salutatorian was shared by three students. Sevgi Acubucu, a graduate of the Psychology Program within the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Uğur Bayer, a graduate of the Public Relations and Advertising Program within the Faculty of Art and Design, received their honor certificates from Beykoz District Governor Dr. Fatih Ürkmezer and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Baki Aksu. Fatma Tüz Zehra Balkaş, a graduate of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program within the Faculty of Art and Design, received her honor certificate from Beykoz District Governor Dr. Fatih Ürkmezer and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Pınar Seden Meral.
The University Third-Ranking Graduate, Sıla Çetin, a graduate of the Psychology Program within the Faculty of Social Sciences, received her honor certificate from Acting Mayor of Beykoz Özlem Vural Gürzel and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Aylin Ünver Noi.
During the ceremony, faculties and schools were invited to the stage one by one. Graduates received their diplomas from their academic leaders, while families and loved ones filled the stands, creating many emotional and unforgettable moments.
The evening concluded with the traditional cap-tossing ceremony, which brought the graduation celebration to its peak. Following the countdown, all graduates threw their caps into the sky simultaneously, symbolizing the hopeful, confident, and exciting first step toward the next chapter of their lives.
On this meaningful evening, Beykoz University graduates took with them not only their diplomas, but also the knowledge, experience, dedication, and dreams that will shape their bright futures as they embarked on new journeys.
As the Beykoz University family, we wholeheartedly congratulate all our graduates and wish them endless success in their careers and life journeys ahead.
This content was updated on 19/06/2026.