The ceremony, held in the Dr. Ralph A. Defronzo Auditorium at the Valley Campus, was filled with emotional moments. Nursing students, receiving lights symbolizing Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing, made a meaningful start to their professional journey.
Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ: “Develop your skills in a multifaceted way”
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Istanbul Atlas University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ stated that nursing is a discipline that touches society and drew attention to its historical and social importance. Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ noted that Florence Nightingale's service to wounded soldiers with a lamp in her hand during the Crimean War remains a powerful symbol today, and that this tradition has been kept alive for over 170 years.
Highlighting the university's quality and accreditation-focused vision, Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ stated that Istanbul Atlas University aims to make a difference not only in the field of health but also in disciplines such as engineering and health technologies. He noted that the students had made the right career choice, adding that nursing is one of the most important professions that directly contributes to society and touches people's lives.
"A university is not limited to four walls."
Touching upon the transformation in higher education, Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ emphasized that students should not limit themselves solely to academic knowledge, drawing attention to the importance of competencies such as foreign languages, IT skills, and international experience.
Stating that university years are the first step towards the future, Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ invited students to take advantage of all the opportunities offered and expressed that the university administration is always ready to provide support.
Prof. Dr. Aytolan Yıldırım: “In the nursing profession, the first thing you must do is get to know people.”
In her speech outlining the history of the nursing profession, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Aytolan Yıldırım, stated that nursing is a profession that works in conjunction with many disciplines today.
Highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of nursing education, Prof. Dr. Aytolan Yıldırım emphasized that students benefit not only from medical sciences but also from different fields such as behavioral sciences, communication, and social sciences.
Stating that understanding people is fundamental to serving humanity, Prof. Dr. Aytolan Yıldırım expressed that thanks to the academic infrastructure and strong teaching staff offered by the university, students will be trained as well-equipped individuals.
Addressing the parents as well, Prof. Dr. Aytolan Yıldırım stated that the students were in safe hands, saying, “We are raising them to take on important roles in the future of the healthcare system. We believe that as Atlas students, they will always make us proud.”
Prof. Dr. İkbal Çavdar: “We are training our students to be as well-equipped as possible.”
Prof. Dr. İkbal Çavdar, Head of the Nursing Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, stated that they are working to educate their students in a multifaceted way and fully equipped for the future, saying, "We will train you to be individuals who question, research, analyze, and think critically."
The ceremony, which continued with a concert performed by the university's music club students, concluded with the students' light-receiving ceremony.
