Atatürk University, one of the most rooted universities in Turkey, also fulfills its mission of serving society and integrating with the public by making important contributions to the country's development with its graduates throughout its 65-year education life.

Having spent their years at Atatürk University, which has produced hundreds of thousands of graduates in the 65 years since 1957, graduates often gather at the university to commemorate the old days.

In this context, the Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine graduates from 1976 to 1982 came together in the 40th-year graduation meeting program. Prof. Dr. Gulay Gullulu and Dr. Doctors from various provinces of Turkey went 40 years ago to the program organized by Rahmi Özkurt, remembering the old days.

Speaking on behalf of the alumni of the program held in the Conference Hall of the Research Hospital, Prof. Dr. Gulay Gullulu and Dr. Rahmi Özkurt said that on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his graduation from Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, they came together to relive their youth and memories with great enthusiasm from all over our country.

“In addition to learning a profession, we also learned virtues such as Respect for People, Respect for Profession, Ethical Values and Patriotism”

Güllülü and Özkurt: “We have learned virtues such as respect for people, respect for the profession, ethical values, and patriotism as well as learning a respectable profession in this modern science home in this ancient city. We are also indebted to our administrators, teachers, senior brothers and sisters who conveyed these beautiful virtues to us, and our faculty staff and canteens who helped us in every way. We will also have a few words to say to the esteemed young doctor candidates who are the future of our country. Love this ancient city of our country and its well-established university and faculty, and try to make the most of it. When you start your profession tomorrow, you will understand the importance of this place, the value of what has been given to you, and how well you have been educated.

Unfortunately, some of our classmates could not attend our meeting due to health problems or workload. On the other hand, some of our friends left us forever at an early age. On this occasion, we commemorate them with mercy and our friends who could not attend, with love and longing. Dear Rector of our University, who encouraged us in the organization of the meeting and did not spare any help. We would like to thank Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı  and his colleagues and express our respect and gratitude.”

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Mr. Fatih Albayrak, on the other hand, stated that the first Faculty of Medicine established in Eastern Anatolia was established at Atatürk University and said that it is the 5th Faculty of Medicine in Turkey.

Reminding that the Faculty of Medicine, which has 60 years of knowledge, has given thousands of graduates so far, Albayrak stated that the development of the health system is directly proportional to the graduates and emphasized that the Research Hospital is a health complex that serves all Eastern Anatolia and the countries of the region.

Taking place as the guest of honor upon the invitation of the participants, Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı stated that they are happy to host this meaningful program and stated that Atatürk University has never severed its ties with its graduates.

“Members and Graduates of our University serve our country with the education they have received and the equipment they have gained”

Erzurum, which went down in history as the city that started the liberation, and Atatürk University, which founded universities, always prioritized the contribution of science to social, human and human life as well as the reflection of science on academic life. Members and graduates of our university serve our country in almost every field with the education they have received and the equipment they have gained. Undoubtedly, this is one of the indicators of the greatness of Atatürk University.” Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı said that the university has undergone a great change in the last 40 years.

Rector Çomaklı, who stated that Atatürk University has registered its achievements as a "Research University" and has become a world university, said that besides all these, the increase in the number of external projects, the significant increase in the number of qualified publications, the important steps taken on the way to corporate identity and branding are on the way to becoming a world university. He said there were great transformations.

“Our University Continues to Renew Itself With Its 65 Years of Tradition and Culture”

Rector Çomaklı: “There is a fact that has not changed over the years; and that Atatürk University is and will continue to be one of the best universities in Turkey with its culture, academics, students and graduates. Our university continues to renew itself with its 65 years of tradition and culture. In this renewal and transformation, we strive to strengthen our bond with our alumni day by day. In this context, one of the first things I did when I took office as the Rector was to establish the Career Planning and Alumni Monitoring Application and Research Center.

Atatürk University, which has been among the leading educational institutions of Turkey with its successful line, will continue to grow stronger from now on and continue on its way with the contributions of you, our esteemed graduates. Finally, I recommend you to take a tour of this city, where you lived with bittersweet memories and where you studied years ago, and our beautiful campus, which offers wonderful views with the riot of autumn colors, and I greet you all with love and respect.”

At the end of the program, Rector Çomaklı presented the certificates of appreciation and plaques to the 40th year graduates and took part in the souvenir photo.

On behalf of the graduates of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Gulay Gullulu and Dr. Rahmi Özkurt presented a plaque of appreciation and flowers to Rector Çomaklı.

The program ended with the singing of the 40th anniversary anthem prepared by medical faculty graduates.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 14.10.2022