Graduation excitement at SDÜ (Süleyman Demirel University)
On the second day of the Süleyman Demirel University “2025-2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremonies,” over 3,000 students experienced the excitement of graduation. During the two-day graduation ceremonies, approximately 7,000 students received their diplomas, stepping into their new lives with the pride of being a graduate of SDÜ.
Speaking on behalf of international students, İsmihan Muhammed Ucup, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, stated that it was a great honor for her to have the opportunity to study in Türkiye after coming from Somalia. Ucup said, “Turkey introduced me not only to an education but also to its rich history, beautiful culture, captivating nature, and most importantly, its hospitable people. Isparta, the land of roses, has become a second home for me. Graduating from SDÜ will always be an experience I will remember with pride. It is a great honor for me to have completed my faculty with top honors. I sincerely thank all my professors who illuminated my path with their knowledge and experience, and who contributed to this success.”
Süleyman Demirel University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Saltan, in his speech, emphasized that regardless of which faculty one graduates from, the most important thing is to be able to inspire future generations even years later. Prof. Dr. Saltan said, “May your future endeavors, your achievements in your personal biography, and the marks you leave on your life always carry you forward. Thanks to the liberal, collaborative, and community-oriented education approach we offer at the university, you won't need much luck in this regard. The only thing you need is to work hard, produce, develop, and improve.” He also specifically thanked the families, stating that the students are being raised as individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills required by the age, while also being committed to national and spiritual values. Addressing the families, he said, “We are returning your children to you, protecting them as if they were our own eyes.” Prof. Dr. Saltan also thanked the academic staff, stating that all the teaching staff who contributed to the education of students from all over Türkiye are one of the most important stakeholders in the university's success.
The ceremony, held at the 19 May Open Air Theatre and Student Square, was attended by Isparta Deputy Mayor Uğur Büyükçulcu, Provincial Assembly Chairman Mehmet Ali Ertuğrul, our University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Saltan, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Nihat Ayyıldız, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gençtürk, Prof. Dr. Sabriye Ercan, representatives of public institutions and organizations, representatives of civil society organizations, academic and administrative staff, students and their families.
