IZMIR UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS STARTED ITS 18th ACADEMIC YEAR
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) started the 18th Academic Year to train the future leaders. Mahmut Özgener, President of IUE Board of Trustees, stated that he saw the gleam of the future and power of hope in the eyes of the youth and he said, “Izmir University of Economics, which I see as a home of hope and trust, is also a mirror of our city”.
The first ceremony of IUE 2018 – 2019 Academic Year began with laying a wreath at Ataturk Monument at IUE Ceremony Field. Following the observance of a moment of silence and singing of the National Anthem, President Mahmut Özgener and IUE Rector, Prof. Dr. Can Muğan laid a wreath at Ataturk Monument with students.
Lucien Arkas, Chairman of Arkas Holding Board of Directors, Prof. Dr. Murat Borovalı, IUE General Coordinator, Cemal Elmasoğlu and Emre Kızılgüneşler, Vice Chairmen of Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO), Selami Özpoyraz, President of IZTO Council, Dilara Sürgü, IZTO General Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tanyeri, IZTO Secretary General, Ekrem Demirtaş, Former President of IUE Board of Trustees, Urla Mayor Sibel Uyar, Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak, Rector of Ege University, Prof. Dr. Cemali Dinçer, Rector of Yaşar University, Members of IUE Board of Trustees, academicians, and a crowd of students, in addition to President Özgener and the Rector, attended the second ceremony that took place at IUE Conference Hall.
‘Come on; Let’s Be a Part of Change’
President Özgener, who indicated that whatever they envisioned about the future of Turkey and Izmir, could be seen by looking at Izmir University of Economics, said, “Whatever we want for our city and country, our ideals, and whatever we envision for our future can be found at Izmir University of Economics. If we do not place education, academy, university, science and knowledge in the basis of our dreams, visions, love of our country, that basis is unfounded then. Each project developed at the University should target next 20 to 30 years, not 5 to 10 years. If we do not set our goals like this at a time when technology and economy is developing rapidly worldwide, we die away not only as the University, but as the city and country as well. I want to repeat my call here to all the people of Izmir and to all the industries through our members of the chamber. Come be part of the education, development, change, and projects that will be developed together”.
‘We are going to create a Dynamic University’
President Özgener reported that there were 9 thousand 777 students at the University, and 35 undergraduate programs in 8 faculties, 32 associate programs in 3 vocational schools, 47 masters and 9 Ph.D. programs were being offered. President Özgener stated the following:
“I see this year as a year of harmony, developing a team play, and achieving major goals together. Moreover, my call to all components of the University as students and faculty members is not to refrain from sharing your dreams, ideas, and projects with us. Our biggest goal is to create a university based on your young, dynamic, visionary, and scientific perspectives. To succeed in change and development together.”
In her speech, IUE Rector, Prof. Dr. Can Muğan reported that the University hosted 30 students from 16 countries including Germany and USA, and more than 9 thousand students from 67 cities across Turkey. Esra Betül Çiçek, who was placed to Faculty of Communication with the highest score this year, said that Izmir University of Economics was an institution open to innovation and versatility.
‘Study Hard and Learn a Foreign Language’
Lucien Arkas, Chairman of Arkas Holding Board of Directors, who delivered the opening lecture at the ceremony, said that students were lucky to receive education in a foreign language at Izmir University of Economics. Arkas said, “You are lucky, you are learning a foreign language. We are in a world of communication. How are we supposed to communicate without understanding each other, without a language? Therefore, each language is a diploma. When I speak Italian language with an Italian, that person’s trust in me increases 50%. Do your best to increase your competency in this area”.
Arkas, who shared his business and life experiences with students, stated the following:
“People always talk about future. How is the future going to be? It is not as tough as you think it is. Be an analytical thinker, try to understand, and make a synthesis after understanding it. Inventors are always after better stuff. You should be inquisitive and you should read a lot. Going to school is not enough. It should be a lifelong learning. Choose your profession carefully. Read about that profession and predict the future. Do not adjust your sails to someone else’s waves. Do not base your plans on other people. Be aware of what is happening around you, and make long-term plans. Be patient and work hard. Working is like blood to the body. Do not ever confuse the capital with capital flow. Money in your safe is not your capital. Do not think you are rich just because you have money in your safe. That money may not belong to you. Be careful. You do not know when you may lose that. Observe your own creativity and your inner-self.”
At the end of the ceremony, President Özgener and Rector Prof. Dr. Muğan presented a carpet, decorated with patterns inspired by the mosaics found in Agora excavations, to Arkas. The audience enjoyed the performance by IUE Latin Dance Club and the music band led by IUE Music Consultant Alaskar Abbasov.
