Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his address to the graduates, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that TOBB ETU has been rapidly progressing towards becoming a university that prioritizes quality in education, innovation in research and contribution to society since its establishment. Stating that TOBB ETU’s education model is still the first and only one among 209 universities in Türkiye, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “TOBB ETU’s exemplary education model is among the promises to be implemented in universities all over Türkiye in the election declarations of political parties. TOBB ETU’s exemplary education model was also shown as an example to the whole world by the World Bank. Our university has made a name for itself not only with its academic achievements but also with its contributions to our country and society. Investing in education is the greatest service to the country.

There is a Far Eastern proverb that I like very much: If you think one year ahead, plant wheat; if you think 10 years ahead, plant trees; if you think 100 years ahead, educate your people. This is what we aimed for at TOBB ETU. We wanted to raise young people who are free in thought, conscience and wisdom. We aimed to bring a new generation to our country that does not memorize, but researches, produces technology and invents. Praise Allah, today we are among the best young universities in the world.”

- “The seed we planted has taken root”

Stating that there are bureaucrats, general managers, district governors, diplomats and administrators among TOBB ETU graduates, M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I do not like politics. I advise young people to be entrepreneurs. They did not listen to me. Among our graduates, there are those who were elected as deputies and mayors. We are also the youngest deputy of the Parliament.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “According to the report of the Council of Higher Education, TOBB ETU graduates are employed within 51 days on average.  We are one of the leading universities in our country in this field. In addition to our incubation center, which we established to develop entrepreneurship culture, we are establishing a Technopolis within TOBB ETU to support high technology investments. We want to see our valuable graduates and entrepreneurs here. As TOBB ETU, we have built Türkiye’s first quantum computer in the field of quantum computing, which the world is talking about and investing in. We made our country one of the 15 countries that have a say in the field of quantum computing. You can be proud! The R&D of TOGG, Türkiye’s automobile, was carried out on this campus. Our students can now do joint education at TOGG. All this shows that we planted a seed in education. This seed has taken root. Our young people are showing great success. I am proud of them all! You are graduating in a new world order.  You have a new competitor, a digital colleague! You graduate with artificial intelligence! That’s why we established Türkiye’s first Artificial Intelligence Engineering department. Last year we had our first graduates. We established it to build the future with you.

Because if you know how to use artificial intelligence, you will not gain a competitor, but an assistant whose knowledge is strong in every field!”

- Hisarcıklıoğlu’s advice to young people

M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu also gave advice to the graduating students and asked them to dream and not to put limits on themselves while dreaming. Advising young people to feed their dreams with goals, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Do not forget the words of Confucius. If you want to climb a tree, ask to climb the stars so that you can be successful. Work hard and never be afraid of losing. Difficulties are not the end of mankind; they are the beginning of development. Whatever you do, bring innovation to your work. Remember, times are changing. The era of those who do not leave life as they found it. My last piece of advice to you is to be conscientious in everything you do, in every environment you are in. Be just. Work for a world where the just is strong, not the strong is right. And be honest! Because honesty is the trick. Türkiye has suffered what it has suffered from seeing the person next to you as the other. Therefore, do not marginalize anyone because of their language, religion, identity, opinion or sect.

Of course, don’t miss out on life. Travel, learn new cultures, never stop reading and researching. Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone. Choose the right thing, not the easy thing. Be the hero of your own story.”

TOBB ETU 2024-2025 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony in the morning was attended by Faik Yavuz, Treasurer Member of TOBB Board of Directors.