Days of Unity, Culture, and Joy at Acıpayam Vocational School
Acıpayam Vocational School (Acıpayam VS) concluded the 2024–2025 academic year with a series of joyful Spring Festival events organized by its Social and Cultural Activities Club. The program, which featured outdoor activities, cultural performances, and a faculty-wide gathering, emphasized unity, cultural appreciation, and lasting memories for students, staff, and guests.

The Social and Cultural Activities Club of Acıpayam Vocational School (Acıpayam VS) bid farewell to the 2024–2025 academic year with Spring Festival events filled with joy and solidarity. More than just a celebration, the series of events fostered community spirit and offered unforgettable cultural and recreational experiences.
The festivities began on Monday, May 19, with the “Let’s Walk, Have Fun, and Picnic Together” event at Ucarı Pond, where students enjoyed a nature-filled day. On Wednesday, May 21, a Graduation Celebration was held to honor and send off the graduating students. Acıpayam VS Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Kurt extended his best wishes for their future endeavors.
During the graduation event, memories from the students’ two-year academic journey were shared, and the activities organized by the student club throughout the year were presented by the club advisor, Lecturer Dr. Simge Şimşek, through a video screening. Dr. Şimşek expressed gratitude to the Pamukkale University Directorate of Health, Culture and Sports, the Acıpayam VS administration and staff, student club members, and Vice Directors Lecturer Atike Nur Durak and Lecturer Dr. Fatmanur Öztoklu Durmuş for their contributions and support.
A folk dance performance by the Acıpayam VS dance team, led by Hüseyin Yavuzer and themed “Anatolia, a Love Story,” captivated the audience. The group presented a bouquet to Yavuzer in appreciation. The event continued with traditional aşure offerings, a musical concert, and a music quiz, creating moments of pure enjoyment.
On Thursday, May 22, Acıpayam VS hosted the “Vocational Schools Unite” event, welcoming academic and administrative staff from 16 vocational schools affiliated with Pamukkale University. Acıpayam VS students organized activities and played icebreaker games with their peers from Çameli, Honaz, Serinhisar, and Tavas vocational schools, fostering new friendships. Guests were later treated to rice and lokma.
Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör joined the meaningful gathering and interacted with students. Following a folk dance performance, a conference took place in the Acıpayam VS Conference Hall with academic participation from all attending vocational schools.
The conference opened with a speech by Acıpayam VS Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Kurt, followed by an address from PAU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör outlining future goals for vocational schools. The program concluded with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Turhan titled “MEDEK Assessment and Updates in Vocational Schools.”
On Saturday, May 24, the final day of the Spring Festival, a nature walk was organized by the Social and Cultural Activities Club in collaboration with Acıpayam District Directorate of Youth and Sports. The route included the Alacain Cave and Evkara recreation area. The community event also featured local participants. Vice Director Atike Nur Durak and Club Advisor Dr. Simge Şimşek thanked Mehmet Uslu, Casim Yiğit, and Hüseyin Yavuzer for leading the hike, and expressed appreciation to Acıpayam Municipality for providing transportation and refreshments.