A Gathering of Labor and Loyalty: Service Honor Ceremony Held at EMU

At Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), a "Service Honor Ceremony" was held for academic, administrative, and manual labor staff members who completed their 25th year of service and those who retired between 2022 and 2026. Plaques of honor were presented to staff who devoted long years of effort to the university at the ceremony held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at 14:00 in the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall.

The ceremony was attended by Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) President Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, Cyprus Evkaf Administration Director Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) President Recai Ergün, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, YÖDAK Vice President Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, EMU Board of Trustees Member Özdinç Akdel, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, alongside academic and administrative staff.

“EMU's Corporate Identity and Reputation Have Been Shaped by the Dedicated Work of Its Staff”

Speaking at the ceremony, which began after a moment of silence and the National Anthem, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized that the true strength of a university lies in the people who dedicate their years, knowledge, effort, and heart to it, stating that EMU's corporate identity and reputation have been shaped by the dedicated efforts of its academic and administrative staff. Expressing that personnel who retired from EMU or completed 25 years of service touched the lives of students and left lasting marks on the university's development, Prof. Dr. Kılıç drew attention to the concepts of belonging and loyalty. Noting that strong institutions are those that do not forget their past, value labor, and transfer their accumulated knowledge to future generations, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the awards presented were an expression of respect and gratitude felt towards the staff. Thanking all staff members for their service to the university, Prof. Dr. Kılıç wished health, peace, and happiness to retiring employees, and many years filled with success to those continuing their duties.

“EMU Holds an Important Place in TRNC Higher Education”

YÖDAK President Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın expressed his happiness at reuniting with the EMU family and thanked those who contributed to organizing the ceremony. Emphasizing that EMU holds an important place in TRNC higher education not only through its academic achievements but also through its deep-rooted corporate culture and traditions formed jointly by its academic and administrative staff, Prof. Dr. Hocanın stated that this accumulated knowledge must be preserved and developed. Pointing out the importance of adopting the principles of integrity, honesty, justice, equality, and democracy across all university processes, Prof. Dr. Hocanın noted that they expect EMU to lead the dissemination of a quality culture in higher education. Touching upon auditing and institutional accreditation efforts in higher education during his speech, Prof. Dr. Hocanın emphasized the importance of certifying international quality standards, wished EMU success on its quality journey, and congratulated the honored personnel. Following his speech, YÖDAK President Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın was presented with a plaque by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç for completing his 25th year on the university staff.

Deceased Staff Remembered

During the ceremony, plaques were also presented in memory of Associate Professor Dr. Arif Akkeleş, who passed away in 2024, and Senior Instructor Canan Koran, who passed away in 2025, to keep their memories alive and express gratitude for their services. The plaques prepared on behalf of the deceased staff were presented to their relatives by Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç.

The ceremony continued with YÖDAK President Prof. Dr. Hocanın, Cyprus Evkaf Administration Director Prof. Dr. Tümer, EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) President Ergün, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç, YÖDAK Vice President Prof. Dr. Amca, EMU VYK Member Akdel, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Öztüren, and EMU General Secretary Ekşici presenting the plaques prepared for EMU staff's 25th year of service and retirement...