2015 Nobel laureate for Chemistry Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar attended to the graduation ceremony of Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, from which he was also formerly graduated.

IU Istanbul Faculty of Medicine 189th Period Graduation Ceremony was held in Haliç Congress Center on 23rd May 2016. Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, who was awarded Nobel Prize for Chemistry due to his studies on DNA repair mechanisms, Rector of Istanbul University Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak, Dean of Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Bahaüddin Çolakoğlu, grad students and their families attended to the ceremony.

During the ceremony, newly graduate students took the hippocratic oath in company with Dean of IU Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Bahaüddin Çolakoğlu. After the oath, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was invited to the stage. When Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar got on the stage, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak vested him and fastened a rosette on his vest. And then he was presented a plaque. Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar presented the diploma and presents to the faculty’s top student Gülsüm Başak after the presentation of plaquette.

“It is a Privilege to be a Graduate of IU Istanbul Faculty Medicine”

Making a speech in the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar started with saying that he was very excited and continued: “When I heard our national anthem I was so affected. We don’t get to hear it very often in America. I visited GATA last week and the memory of veteran soldiers and our flag moved me very much. I felt our anthem. Now, whenever I hear our Independence March I remember them. I have extreme respect for them and I feel gratitude.” Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar said “As Istanbul University, we did not only contribute to medicine but to all science. And we are proud of it. I always say that if you want to be respected, you should first have self-respect and self-confidence. It is a privilege to be an alumni of Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. Always be proud of it and say it out loud without hesitation.”

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar said “You all talk about the Nobel prize but it has been 45 years between when I graduated and when I received the prize. I hope some of you will receive the prize in about 10-15 years. But I need to say this one more thing that receiving the Nobel prize is really a good thing but working as a doctor in a village of Mardin is also a good thing.”

“We are proud of our students”

Stating that Istanbul University graduates have a real knowledge of life IU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak said “When I was accepted to this university they said to me ‘You got into a university that only a walking library come out of. Istanbul University graduates are not any graduates graduating from any university. They are actually members of a family consisting of powerful alumni who will guide them wherever they go and cooperate with them. We have happily experienced this in every stage of our lives. Istanbul University is a powerful institution contributing not only to its own graduates and citizens of Turkey but also to international intellectual. 6000 students from 150 countries study in our university. Our university continues its activities within United Nations. Dear youth, your existence is a great hope and expectation for our country. Istanbul University is proud of you and without a doubt, successful students are their parents’ source of pride.”.

The ceremony ended with giving the diplomas to the students and throwing of the graduation caps.

Reporter: Sibil GÜLÜSTANYAN – Mert TÜRKMEN

Translated by: Merve Ceren EROĞLU- Eda AYDEMİR

IU Department of Press and Public Relations