The Vocational School of Technical Sciences at our university bid farewell to its graduates of the 2024–2025 academic year with a formal ceremony held at the school’s conference hall.

The event was attended by our Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal, OSTİM Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Ünsal Sığrı, Rector’s Advisors Prof. Selami Candan and Prof. Togay Seçkin Birbudak, President of the OSTİM Industrialists and Businesspeople Association Esat Hisarcıklılar, OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın, Vice Chairman Sıtkı Öztuna, Board Member Behzat Zeydan, Audit Committee Member Mehmet Alkan, OSTİM Regional Director Adem Arıcı, OSTİM Technical University Vocational School Director Turan Şişman, Director of our Vocational School Prof. Alpay Özer, along with academic staff, students, and their families.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a performance by the Ankara Seymen troupe. In his opening speech, Prof. Alpay Özer expressed his gratitude to Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal and the OSTİM industry representatives for their continued support of the school. He highlighted that the students were graduating from a distinguished institution like Gazi University and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors.

Speaking at the event, Esat Hisarcıklılar emphasized his belief that the graduates would make significant contributions to Turkey’s development through their careers. OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın, himself a Gazi University graduate, reiterated their commitment to supporting both the school and its students.

In his keynote speech, Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal reflected on the university's origins, noting that it was founded in 1926 by directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the “Middle School for Teachers and Training Institute” in what is now the Rectorate building, and gained university status as Gazi University in 1982.

Prof. Ünal emphasized that the Vocational School of Technical Sciences has, since its inception, remained focused on academic excellence, producing qualified graduates and serving as a model for vocational schools across the country. He highlighted the school's strong collaboration with industry and its standing as one of the top vocational institutions in Turkey.

Addressing the faculty, Prof. Ünal stated, “Located in the heart of industry at the Ostim Campus, and guided by a student-centered approach, you have committed to educating analytical, inquisitive, and forward-thinking students. I am proud to say that thanks to your invaluable contributions, our Vocational School ranks among the top in terms of student placement scores in associate degree programs across Turkey.”

Turning to OSTİM’s industrial leaders, Prof. Ünal added, “We are proud of your pioneering role in Turkey’s nationalization efforts and your commitment to high-quality production. Your ongoing projects serve as an inspiration to our students. You have welcomed them into your companies, allowing them to benefit from your extensive experience. On behalf of our students and university, I thank you all for your contributions to their professional and sectoral development.”

Prof. Ünal also thanked the families for their dedication and expressed his joy in sharing this meaningful day with them.

He concluded by congratulating the graduates:
“Today, it is our great pleasure to witness your well-earned graduation. You are leaving one of the most successful vocational schools in the country. From this point forward, you are graduates of Gazi University. With the knowledge and insight you have gained here, we trust you will tirelessly contribute to advancing our country along the path opened by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. You are the future professionals who will strengthen local and national production, elevate Türkiye’s global presence in industry and technology, and become sought-after experts in your fields. I wish you all great success and well-being in your professional lives.”

The graduation ceremony continued with the presentation of certificates to top-ranking students, the handover of the school flag, the top graduate placing a plaque on the “graduation log,” the recitation of the graduation oath, and the traditional cap toss.