Hisarcıklıoğlu, in his speech thanked the graduates and their families for their support, and stated that TOBB ETÜ since its inception in 2004 has always taken the lead – and has been chosen in this year’s university exam by 24 of the first ranking 100 students. Emphasizing that they made a revolution with the cirriculum first implemented by TOBB ETÜ, Hisarcıklıoğlu said “In fact, this institution is not ours, it’s yours. TOBB ETÜ Alumni Office is therefore very important. It’s your duty to embrace this university. Because you will spend this capital all through your life.”
Asking that all graduates be enrolled on the Alumni Association right at the time of graduation, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a “TOBB ETÜ spirit” could be set in this way and a culture of cooperation could be developed, sharing both success and misery. Pointing out that the sense of belongingness is embedded in human nature, Hisarcıklıoğlu said “I have a request: We should lobby for each other. The gradutaes of some universities abroad wear institutional rings and badges, to recognize each other. When we will have a bigger family, it will be hard to recognize each other. We also need to recognize each other with our own rings and badges.”
Emphasizing that the youth will shape Turkey’s future, Hisarcıklıoğlu asked the graduates to dream big, to work hard setting targets and to adopt principles. Hisarcıklıoğlu, reminding that Turkey was number 27 economy in the world when he was young, said “Turkey has now climbed to number 16. Previously Saudi Arabia and Greece were richer than Turkey. Now they together equal Turkey. It’s you who will place Turkey within top 10. Now the per capita income is USD 10.000. It’s you will will increase it to USD 25.000.” Hisarcıklıoğlu also said that he was ready to help the graduates, always and for all subjects.
- The vast majority is in the private sector
The President of the TOBB ETÜ Alumni Association, Ahmet Sorman, on the other hand, in his speech, said when he entered the university there were no graduates and over time has understood that he made the best decision probably all his life. Noting that 76 % of the Association members were working in the private sector, 14 % in the public sector, and 10 % in family or own businesses, Sorman said that they have developed 2 projects to receive funds from the EU.
- A room has been allocated to the Alumni Association
The President of the Board of Trustees of the TOBB ETÜ, Hisarcıklıoğlu openned to service the roons allocated to the Alumni Association. Moreover, the President of the TOBB ETÜ Alumni Association Sorman presented a gift to Hisarcıklıoğlu in memory of the day. Hisarcıklıoğlu then visited the graduates at their tables and photographs were taken separately.