The ceremony began with an opening speech by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Nizamlioğlu. In his address, Prof. Nizamlioğlu emphasized the crucial role of occupational therapy in enhancing individuals’ quality of life and encouraged students to uphold ethical values, empathy, and a person-centered approach throughout their professional careers.
Following the dean’s remarks, Head of the Occupational Therapy Department Prof. Dr. Arif Önder and Vice Head of Department Assist. Prof. Dr. Beyza Aslı Bilsel delivered speeches highlighting the meaning of the profession and the sense of responsibility it entails.
During the ceremony, our alumni Occupational Therapist Gülsüm Tohan and Occupational Therapist Yavuz Özdemir shared their professional experiences, offering valuable insights and inspiration to current students. Gülsüm Tohan, who is also a double major graduate in Speech and Language Therapy, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Yavuz Özdemir reflected on his clinical experiences, providing guidance and motivation for students preparing to enter the field.
Later in the program, the Director of the Vocational School of Health Services, Assist. Prof. Dr. A. Yüksel Barut, delivered a meaningful presentation titled “The Importance of the White Coat,” underlining the symbolism of the white coat as a representation of responsibility, trust, and dedication to serving humanity.
The ceremony concluded with faculty members presenting white coats to the students, marking a proud and emotional moment for everyone. Students experienced the excitement of taking their first step into the profession, while the event was filled with enthusiasm befitting the significance of the day.
The celebration ended with a group photo taken to commemorate the occasion.
