The 2024–2025 Academic Year Graduation and Veterinary Oath Ceremony of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was held on May 21, 2025.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Rector of our University Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Cavit Kum, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sürmen, Aydın Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Altıntaş, President of the Aydın Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons Hakan Kaya, along with academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.
The program began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by a traditional folk dance performance by a student team from the Faculty.
During the event, official addresses were delivered by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan, Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Cavit Kum, Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Altıntaş, and President of the Aydın Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons Hakan Kaya.
In his speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan sincerely congratulated the graduating students and emphasized that the high-quality education they received encompassed not only academic knowledge but also professional ethics, social responsibility, and humanitarian values. He underlined the importance of applying this knowledge in the field effectively and upholding honesty and a strong sense of duty throughout their professional careers.
Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Cavit Kum highlighted the Faculty's recent academic and scientific achievements and stated that the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training provided to students had not only made them graduates but also equipped individuals capable of leading the sector. He expressed his strong belief that graduates would assume significant roles both nationally and internationally in the field of veterinary medicine.
In their speeches, Aydın Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Altıntaş and President of the Aydın Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons Hakan Kaya emphasized the growing need for veterinarians in both public and private sectors. They noted that the new graduates, equipped with up-to-date knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values, would make vital contributions to addressing the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the evolving livestock and animal health industries.
Yaren Akova, the top-ranking student of the 2024–2025 academic year, expressed her pride in successfully completing an intense and challenging education:
"This achievement is not mine alone. It belongs to our families who supported us unconditionally, to our professors who trained us with great dedication, and to all of our friends who grew with us throughout the journey. We will continue to walk the path of science and ethical values in our professional lives,” she said.
Following the speeches, the Women's Volleyball Team of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which won first place in the Women’s Volleyball Tournament organized within the scope of the 28th ADÜFEST, was awarded their trophy by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan. Their coach, Mr. Sercan Epikmen, also received a special plaque.
Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan also presented a plaque and certificate of achievement to the top graduate, Yaren Akova. After placing her plaque on the graduation honor log, the top three graduates of the Faculty and top-ranking students of each undergraduate program were presented with awards and certificates.
As part of the ceremony, students commemorated their late classmate Seren Taşyürek, who lost her life in the devastating earthquake that struck Hatay on February 6, 2023, with respect and remembrance.
The ceremony continued with the awarding of certificates of achievement and professional badges to the graduates, followed by the veterinary oath ceremony, which was performed with great excitement and pride.
The event concluded with the distribution of diplomas, a group photo session, and the traditional cap toss.
