Enthusiastic Start to the New Academic Year

Izmir University of Economics (IEU) welcomed the 2023-2024 Academic Year with enthusiasm and excitement, with its 10,700 students. The guest of honor at the opening ceremony was Prof. Dr. Emin Kansu, an Honorary Member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA). In his first lecture titled, “Mentor and Mentee in the Academic Microenvironment”, Prof. Dr. Emin Kansu shared his knowledge and experiences with the students.

The 23^rd academic year began at Izmir University of Economics, which has been on a successful journey in education since 2001 as the first Foundation University in the Aegean Region. Mahmut Özgener, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO) and the President of IUE Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, the Rector of IEU, Selami Özpoyraz, the President of IZTO Assembly, Jak Eskinazi, the Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, Cemal Elmasoğlu, the Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of IZTO, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, the Former Rector of IEU, Veysi Kubba, the CEO of Medical Point Hospitals Group, members of the IZTO Education and Health Foundation, members of the Board of Trustees, academics, university staff, students, and guests attended the opening ceremony, held at the IEU Conference Hall.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY STUDENTS

Special treats prepared by the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts students were offered to the guests, and the IEU Chamber Orchestra enlivened the ceremony with a magnificent artistic performance. Supported by the students of the Civil Aviation Program of IUE Vocational School, the ceremony has an enjoyable day for the participants.

FIRST LECTURE ATTRACTED GREAT INTEREST

The first lecture of the 2023-2024 Academic Year was delivered by Prof. Dr. Emin Kansu, an Honorary Member of TUBA who has made many important contributions in the fields of oncology and hematology, bringing pride to our country with numerous awards and serving as the Chair of the International Society of Hematology from 2014 to 2018. In his presentation titled, “Mentor and Mentee in the Academic Microenvironment”, Prof. Dr. Kansu highlighted key points in university education and offered valuable advice to students for a productive academic year. In addition to sharing his knowledge and experiences, Prof. Dr. Kansu also discussed his own memories and provided detailed information on the concept of mentoring in the international arena and the necessary steps to be taken.

WE HAVE A RICHNESS THAT ONLY A FEW COUNTRIES HAVE

Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, Mahmut Özgener, IUE President of the Board of Trustees, pointed out that not only countries, economies, and sectors but also cities and universities are competing worldwide today. President Özgener said, “I want to draw your attention to an issue that I attach great importance to and find very valuable for the future of our country. The new school year started in primary and secondary schools on September 11th. In Turkey, 19 million 156 thousand children go to school every morning. On October 2nd, more than 7 million university students in our country started their education as well. These young people are the future of our country. Approximately one-third of our country's population, which corresponds to about 26 million bright young students, is a wealth that only a few countries have the privilege of. However, this also imposes a great responsibility on us. The three great powers that unite, heal, develop humanity and nurture peace are love, culture, and education. Our fundamental goal should be to raise individuals who are sensitive to their surroundings, committed to ethical values, shaped by love for nature and humanity, cultured, hardworking, well-educated, and prioritize the interests of society over individual interests.”

WE ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO LEAD SOCIETY

President Özgener continued as follows: “One of the facts arising from the spread of knowledge and technological change is that education can no longer be limited to formal education alone. As a university, we consider it our responsibility to be a pioneer in society by being at the center of this change. For this reason, we should strive to make concepts such as smart learning, learning to learn, active education, lifelong learning, and extracurricular learning the foundation of contemporary education and teaching systems. The key indicators of a university's sustainable success are academic quality, qualified students, and management quality. The common denominator of these three is good governance, which includes both the communication within these elements and with each other.”

EMPHASIS ON COLLABORATIVE POWER

Emphasizing their significant support for education as Izmir Chamber of Commerce, President Özgener said, “As Izmir University of Economics is the most valuable asset and fortune of Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Izmir Chamber of Commerce likewise is the fortune of the University. Our Chamber, which encompasses 80 sectors and sub-sectors of the economy for all disciplines within the University, is like a vast laboratory for faculty members and students. We should work together to take the existing collaboration in every field to a different dimension. With the combined strength of our Chamber, our university, and our foundation, I believe that we will create a success story that leaves a mark on education and research.”

WE WILL LISTEN TO YOU AND HEAR YOU OUT

In his speech, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu addressed the students and said, “Dear students, thank you very much for giving meaning to us. We are a student-centered University, and we will continue to be so. Do not hesitate to provide feedback as the main stakeholders in education, and do not refrain from making your voices heard in administration. We will listen to you and hear you out. You can consider this a promise.”

WE SHOULD COME UP WITH NEW AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Highlighting the importance of raising young people who can think critically and solve problems in an era where knowledge spreads rapidly, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “Today, information is spreading extraordinarily fast via the internet. However, there is also a great deal of information pollution. Moreover, a portion of this information is derived from artificial intelligence. It has always been important to access accurate and reliable information, but it is even more crucial now. It is important to see and understand vital problems such as the climate crisis, disasters, environmental pollution, and the decline in biodiversity. We must generate new and creative solutions to these global issues. We will do our best to impart not only quality academic education but also skills such as accessing information, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork to enable you to produce these solutions. You can consider this a promise. I wish all of us a pleasant academic year with no shortage of hope, where we succeed together.”

I WILL WORK FOR OUR COUNTRY AND HUMANITY

Being admitted to the University with the highest score this year, Doğa Cansın Okan, student of Faculty of Medicine, expressed her determination to work for Turkey and humanity by following the path of science and reason. Doğa said, “I am very proud to have the chance to express my thoughts here. For me, adding value to our country and humanity, touching the lives of others and leaving a mark has never been a superficial goal. This has formed my life purpose and my stance towards life as a Turkish youth. On the 100^th anniversary of the Republic, I remind myself again that it is my greatest responsibility, the greatest responsibility of all of us, to carry forward the torch that science and reason hold for us. I see what I can learn from you, my esteemed professors, and every value you can add to me as a great chance. I am confident that I will do successful work in the global age with the large opportunities and contemporary vision of Izmir University of Economics.