Artvin Çoruh University Faculty of Forestry Held Its 2024–2025 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony with Great Enthusiasm

The Faculty of Forestry at Artvin Çoruh University proudly celebrated the graduation of its students for the 2024–2025 academic year with a heartfelt and well-attended ceremony held on May 21, 2025, at the Faculty Conference Hall.

The event brought together faculty members, students, and their families, along with a distinguished group of guests. Among them were Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat KİBAR; Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Prof. Dr. Mehmet YAVUZ; Prof. Dr. Muhammed YILMAZ, Dean of the Faculty of Theology; Prof. Dr. Mehmet ERSOY, Dean of Hopa Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences; Prof. Dr. Melahat ÖZCAN, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Prof. Dr. Özgür EMİNAĞAOĞLU, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Tekin IŞIK and Aydın KIRIMLI, Vice Regional Directors of Artvin Forestry Directorate; Sedat KARA, Director of Artvin Nature Conservation and National Parks; and Zafer YERLİ, Provincial Head of the Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) in Artvin.

Also in attendance were representatives from professional and civil society organizations, including officials from the Artvin Regional Chamber of Forest Engineers, and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) committed to environmental protection and forest conservation. Their presence further underscored the strong ties between the university, the forestry profession, and the broader community.

The ceremony commenced with an opening speech delivered by Yakup AŞCI, the high honor student and top-ranking graduate of the Faculty. In his heartfelt address, Yakup expressed his gratitude to his professors, family, and fellow students, sharing reflections on the journey that led to this milestone.

Following this, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Prof. Dr. Mehmet YAVUZ welcomed all attendees with a warm and inspiring speech, emphasizing the vital role forestry plays in sustainable development and praising the students’ efforts and achievements throughout their academic journey.

In recognition of his service as Dean of the Faculty of Forestry from 2023 to 2024, Prof. Dr. Atakan ÖZTÜRK was presented with a commemorative plaque and gifts by the current Dean, Prof. Dr. Mehmet YAVUZ.

As a highlight of the event, the top three graduating students were honored for their academic excellence. These students were awarded special plaques and certificates of achievement, applauded warmly by guests and peers alike:

• 1st place: Yakup AŞCI
• 2nd place: Emir Can KOÇ
• 3rd place: Melek Ebrar ÜNALDI

Gifts were presented to the top-ranking students on behalf of the Chamber of Forest Engineers. Additionally, achievement awards were presented to the successful students on behalf of the Turkish Foresters’ Association by the Faculty representative, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özalp.

The event continued with the presentation of diplomas, cheerful moments shared among students and faculty, and commemorative photos capturing the pride and emotion of the day. To mark the end of the celebration, a banquet lunch was offered in the faculty courtyard, where attendees enjoyed a pleasant atmosphere with cookies and a selection of cold beverages. This informal gathering provided an opportunity for heartfelt conversations, congratulations, and farewells among students, families, and faculty members.

Special thanks were extended to Vice Dean Doç. Dr. Funda ERŞEN BAK and to all faculty personnel who contributed to the planning and execution of the event. The ceremony concluded with a traditional cap toss, marking a proud farewell to the students as they step into their professional lives as forestry engineers.

The Faculty of Forestry wishes all its graduates continued success and fulfillment in their future endeavors.