Izmir Economics celebrates its 18th birthday
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) celebrated the 18th anniversary of its establishment with a ceremony held on Balçova Campus. Mahmut Özgener, President of IUE Board of Trustees, pointed that young people were their biggest reassurance in a rapidly changing world. President Özgener said, “Our school stays away from a classical education model and raises students who are interested in new world, new technologies, new media. We need new masterminds, approaches, thrills in today’s world where digital technologies change the fate of economics and trade especially. Young people are our biggest reassurance in a rapidly changing world. The more education, confidence, and opportunities we provide them, the quicker we can adapt to the new world.”
Along with President Özgener, 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, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, IUE Acting Rector, Ekrem Demirtaş, Former President of IUE Board of Trustees, Muvaffak Meşe, High Court Acting Chief Prosecutor of Izmir, Balçova Mayor Fatma Güçlü Çalkaya, Bornova Mayor Mustafa İduğ, Prof. Dr. Cemali Dinçer, Rector of Yaşar University, Members of IUE Board of Trustees, academicians, guests, students, and administrative staff attended the anniversary ceremony.
‘University that Creates Value’
President Özgener, who remarked that they worked hard for the University to become an educational institution that is cherished by Izmir, Izmir Chamber of Commerce, and notables of the country, stated the following: “Izmir University of Economics, first of all, is a synergy project. It is so much different from competition-driven and finance-driven school projects emerging all across the country. Being a foundation university comes with significant advantages. We utterly reject the “making money only” approaches common in such universities. Izmir University of Economics is a project that creates value. Our success criteria should not only be our students and their future achievements, but the contributions we make to this country, the people of this country, and to the economy. We now offer continuous scholarships so that our students can do double major, minor, Erasmus, internship, and many more they dream of without the fear of losing fellowship. Uninterrupted scholarship, adopted by a few number of universities across the nation, is now available for students of Izmir University of Economics.”
“Consolidating Relations”
President Özgener indicated that the relations between Izmir Chamber of Commerce and the University were getting stronger, that IUE Technology Transfer Office would establish a roof for Technology Development Center, and that they planned to make the collaboration between the University, the Chamber, and Izmir Science Park more efficient. President Özgener also mentioned that they doubled the capacity of physics lab, where mechanical, electromagnetic, and modern physics experiments took place. The President stated that they established the Psychological Research & Application Center within the University, which is planned to start operation in September. President Özgener said that students studying at Clinical Psychology Master’s Program would be able to practice under the supervision of their faculty members. President Özgener stated that the University made an inspection agreement with Price Waterhouse Coopers, through internal auditing; they would bring prestige and confidence in financial matters, and help the University benefit from opportunities presented by inner and outer environment.
‘Universities interact with the society’
IUE Acting Rector, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar mentioned that the requirements of the changing world bring forth universities the roles that anticipate coming to the fore in education and research. Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said, “Raising entrepreneurial graduates and people suitable to the extended life span are the new roles the universities need to undertake. Universities, undertaking new roles, would be in a different interaction with the society. As Izmir University of Economics, we are proud to fulfill these roles. Today, the University contributes to the education with 450 full-time and 325 part-time faculty members. This journey of education we started with 304 students, continues with 9 thousand 680 students. Number of our graduates reached 14 thousand 479.”
‘Academic Appointment and Promotion Ceremony’
Academic Appointment and Promotion Ceremony also took place as part of the ceremony. Rector, Prof. Dr. Aşkar and President Özgener awarded academic gowns and plaques to faculty members who were promoted and appointed. In addition, students and faculty members, who achieved many successes at various competitions, projects throughout the year, were given their certificate of appreciation plaques. IUE Folk Dance Club and Latin Dance Club mesmerized the audience with their performances. At the end of the performance, President of IUE Folk Dance Club presented an Efe helmet to President Özgener on behalf of Izmir Economics Community. President Özgener and Prof. Dr. Aşkar cut the cake for the 18th year, which was prepared by the Department of Culinary Arts and Management, together with the students.
