Doctoral Graduation Excitement at ITU

ITU Doctoral Graduation Ceremony was held on July 11 at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, ITU Ayazağa Campus, with a large turnout. Organized in two separate sessions, the graduates of Istanbul Technical University’s 252nd year experienced the excitement of tossing their caps.

Doctoral graduates of the 2024–2025 Academic Year shared their joy with their advisors and families at the ceremony held at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, Ayazağa Campus. During the ceremony, the “2024 Doctorate Special Awards” and the “2024 Best Thesis Awards” were also presented.

The ceremony began with a Moment of Silence in memory of our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, ITU members we have bid farewell to, and our revered martyrs, followed by the National Anthem.

In the morning session, a vocal recital was performed by Assoc. Prof. Tuğçem Kar from ITU TMSC’s Voice Training Department and Lecturer Alper Rumelioğlu from the Instrument Performance Department. In the afternoon session, a musical recital was delivered by faculty members Prof. Dr. Tolgahan Çoğulu and Asst. Prof. Dr. Erdem Şimşek from the Instrumental Performance Department of ITU TMSC.

Director of the Graduate School Prof. Dr. Fatma Seniha Güner gave an opening speech at the ceremony. Emphasizing that the doctorate is the highest academic degree, Prof. Dr. Güner described it as a deep journey of transformation requiring patience. She highlighted that each doctoral graduate is being sent off from ITU as an ambassador of science.

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal stated that the doctoral graduation ceremony, where the fruits of research carried out with hard work, patience, and curiosity are presented, once again added meaning to ITU’s 252-year scientific journey. He emphasized that “PhD” is not merely a title but a commitment to generating knowledge and offering it for the benefit of humanity. Our Rector reminded attendees that this commitment symbolizes the responsibility to produce science-based solutions to the major issues of our time—such as the climate crisis, digital transformation, energy and food security, and global inequalities. Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal emphasized that the ITU spirit represents an understanding that prioritizes solution and value creation, impact, and societal benefit over individual achievement. He stated that the values of collaborative production, sustainability, and diligence are represented by the legacy of ITU stretching back to 1773, and by the bee emblem worn by ITU members since 1929. Expressing his pride, he honored the researchers graduating as representatives of the bee emblem.

On behalf of the doctoral graduates, Dr. Meltem Şenel Sanisoğlu delivered a speech. She stated that as ITU doctoral graduates, they would use the knowledge, experience, and expertise they had acquired for the benefit of humanity and our country, and would serve as guides for those who come after them. Our graduate called on doctoral candidates to persevere and advance with patience and determination.

Dr. Meltem Şenel Sanisoğlu shared the brief biography of the invited speaker, Prof. Dr. Nihat Berker, with the attendees and then invited him to the stage.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Kadir Has University, former Rector of Sabancı University (2009–2016), and MIT Emeritus Professor Prof. Dr. Nihat Berker gave an inspiring presentation to the doctoral graduates about his life, academic journey, and scientific work.

Following Prof. Dr. Berker’s presentation in the second session of the day, plaques were presented to the recipients and advisors of the “2024 Doctorate Special Awards” and the “2024 Best Thesis Awards.”

Our graduates, who were called to the stage together with their advisors and received their doctorate diplomas from our Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, tossed their caps at the end of the ceremony.