The opening program, held at the PAU Indoor Sports Hall, was attended by Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, Pamukkale University Rector Professor Mahmud Güngör, as well as numerous protocol members, academics, graduating students, and their families.

The opening program began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a musical performance by the PAU Turkish Folk Music Ensemble and opening speeches.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Ebru Demir, valedictorian of the Faculty of Medicine and the top-ranking graduate among all faculties of Pamukkale University, said:

“Six years ago, we embarked on this educational journey with the dream and excitement of the day we would graduate. Now our dream has become a reality, and we are graduating. Receiving a university education does not mean simply filling oneself with knowledge and leaving an institution. In my opinion, university education is a process of ‘learning how to learn.’ What makes us strong in life is not our diplomas alone, but the knowledge and experience with which we fill the meaning behind those diplomas. Graduating from the faculty with such an outstanding degree is not an achievement I attained on my own. My family, professors, and friends all played a part in this success. I sincerely thank my family, who illuminated my path and gave me strength through all their moral and material support; my esteemed professors, who guided us to success by sharing their knowledge and experience and treating us with understanding and care; and my friends, with whom I created wonderful memories. Congratulations on our graduation. May our path be illuminated by science and conscience!”

In his speech, Rector Professor Mahmud Güngör stated:

“We stand at one of the most unforgettable milestones of a lifetime. At the turning point of a long journey that began with effort, grew with patience, and was carried forward with hope, I am deeply pleased to share this excitement with you at the 33rd Graduation Ceremony of our Pamukkale University. Dear Young People, a new chapter of your lives is opening. As you leave these halls, you are taking with you not only a diploma, but also a stance, a responsibility, and a vision of civilization. Possessing knowledge is valuable, but uniting knowledge with wisdom is a far greater virtue. What elevates a person is not only what they know, but also their conscience, compassion, sense of justice, and morality. You are the hope of this noble nation, the builders of tomorrow, and the bearers of the ideal of a strong Türkiye. Wherever you go, be individuals who inspire trust through honesty, regard hard work as sacred, prioritize respect for human dignity, and never lose your sense of justice. Our civilization teaches us this: Power gains meaning when it supports the righteous. Knowledge gains value when it serves as a remedy for humanity’s wounds. Our expectation of you is that you use your knowledge not only to advance in your careers, but also to spread goodness, defend justice, and stand beside the oppressed. Because true success is the legacy you leave behind. The real diploma is the value you add to humanity. May God guide you on the right path, bless your intentions, and make your efforts fruitful. Long live science, long live conscience, long live the great hope carried by our youth, and long live our ideal of a strong and prosperous Türkiye. I greet you all with affection, respect, and sincerity, and wholeheartedly congratulate you on your graduation. May your path be open, your vision broad, and your future bright.”

In his speech, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu stated:

“Today, I extend my greetings with love and respect to our dear young people embarking on a new journey in life and to their families, who have never left them alone and have always stood by them through every challenge. You are on the threshold of a new journey. Today, we share the first day of the new step you are taking into life. It is a day when you are reaping the rewards of years of hard work, day and night. We hope that your future will be filled with happiness. Of course, you will sometimes realize that life is not always perfect, but we have complete confidence that you will overcome every challenge. Because we are the descendants of people who set out to overcome difficulties. We live under a republic founded by those who stood firm in the face of hardship, looked to the future with hope, and never gave up their determination to struggle. Therefore, never lose heart, and may the future belong to you as we walk forward together with hope. I greet you all with respect and affection.”

Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger noted in his speech:

“Today, we are all witnessing a wonderful occasion and sharing great excitement. We are celebrating one of the most meaningful days in the lives of our young people, who are graduating from Pamukkale University and joining the future and real life of this country as contributors of added value. Today, you graduate carrying on your shoulders the responsibility of science, knowledge, technology, national values, and the future of the country, and you step into a new life. I congratulate all our graduates. May your next steps lead to goodness, success, and contribute to the development and progress of our country. Your families have invested tremendous effort and support in your achievements. I extend my gratitude to every family for their dedication and commitment. If we are to make the second century of our Republic the ‘Century of Türkiye,’ if we are to bring our country to the level of respect it deserves, and if we are to make Türkiye a respected nation whose voice is heard in science, industry, technology, international law, and every other field, it will be built on your shoulders, and you will achieve it. The second century of our Republic will be the Century of Türkiye and the Turkish people. May your graduations be auspicious and successful. I wish you every success.”

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with the presentation of commemorative plaques by protocol members to students who graduated with honors from their faculties and vocational schools. At the end of the opening program, all honor graduates posed for a group photograph with the protocol members and celebrated by tossing their graduation caps.

The faculty and vocational school graduation ceremonies, which will take place between June 10 and 12, can be accessed via the following link: https://haber.pau.edu.tr/haber/paude-mezuniyet-heyecani-basliyor-733.