Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman: “Recognizing Student Achievement Is the Foundation of Sustainable Learning”
Yeditepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman emphasized that universities are not merely institutions for vocational education but places where young individuals shape their identities, define their goals, and build their relationship with life itself. With this understanding, the university organized the Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. “Recognizing student achievement is the foundation of sustainable learning,” Durman stated.
Women Students Took Center Stage at the Ceremony!
Yeditepe University honored students who completed the academic year with a GPA of 3.80 or above at the Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. The awards were presented by the university’s Founder and Honorary President Bedrettin Dalan, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman, vice rectors, and deans. While the ceremony highlighted themes of achievement and building the future, women students stood out—making up 73% of all honorees.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman emphasized that a university environment where students do not feel alone also supports their psychological and social resilience. He underlined that students come to university not just to gain knowledge, but to rediscover themselves, to develop through the courage to make mistakes. For this reason, he stated, providing a safe and empowering environment is essential for students to realize their full potential.
The Responsibility of Universities: Building the Future Together
Prof. Dr. Durman pointed out that concerns about the future are among the most pressing challenges facing today’s youth—and that these concerns cannot be explained by economic data alone. He emphasized that the rapid obsolescence of knowledge, the transformation of professional fields, and the shift of social interactions into digital spaces are deeply affecting young people. While this awareness empowers some, it can also lead others to withdraw.
Prof. Dr. Durman also stated that universities should not limit themselves to telling young people to “be ready for the future,” but must instead create a learning environment where that future can be interpreted and built collectively. He stated that preparing students for life is one of the core responsibilities of higher education institutions, and that such ceremonies serve not only as recognition for high-achieving students, but also as a source of inspiration and motivation for all..
Highlighting the critical role of career centers and psychological counseling services, Durman stressed that universities must create environments that support students in standing on their own feet. He added that engaging in career planning during university years significantly contributes to the post-graduation journey. He concluded by stating that developing learning methods, enhancing students' cultural and social capacities, and raising individuals equipped for the demands of the 21st century are all essential responsibilities of universities.
Bedrettin Dalan: "Talent Deserves Recognition"
Founder and Honorary President of the university, Bedrettin Dalan, also addressed the ceremony, underlining the effort behind academic achievement:
“Talent deserves recognition. Success is not easily achieved—it requires effort, patience, and perseverance. Work hard, but do not be rote learners. It is incredibly important to be an honest person who thinks with an open heart and applies what they learn to life. I sincerely congratulate our award-winning students here today and wish even greater success to all our students.”
Students: "We Didn’t Give Up – Being Seen Gave Us Courage"
Zeynep Demirci, a student from the Department of Political Science and International Relations (English), expressed her thoughts as follows:
“I graduated with a perfect 4.00 GPA. I’m very happy to have achieved this and to be recognized by my university in this way. I’m also proud to have made my family happy. For me, academic success isn’t just about grades. The ability to learn new things and apply what I’ve learned in real life is just as important. This success is built on hard work. If you have a goal in life, your GPA becomes an important factor in reaching it—especially for those planning to pursue graduate studies. I encourage all students who want to succeed: never give up. I, too, came close to giving up many times, but each time I pushed forward even more determined.”
Taylan Özveren, a student in the Information Systems and Technologies Department, added:
“I received my award today with a 3.93 GPA. Academic success is important to me. Of course, it’s not the only thing that matters, but I believe it’s something we should seriously reflect on and value during our university years. I’ve seen firsthand how much motivation this ceremony can provide. When achievement is acknowledged and rewarded, it encourages us even more. I believe in maintaining a balanced and steady academic life. Following the learning process seriously is crucial—both for better understanding the material and for applying it effectively in real life.”