The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) proudly and festively bid farewell to the Class of 2024 on Friday, June 14, 2024. The graduation ceremony was organized for the 16th generation of IUS graduates at the Campus. Around 250 young people completed an important milestone in their education and are about to start a new chapter in their lives.
The ceremony was attended by numerous prominent guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and other countries, as well as family members and friends. Among the attendees were the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to BiH, His Excellency Mr. Sadık Babür Girgin, President of the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF), Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, Speaker of BiH House of Peoples, Mr. Kemal Ademović, Minister of Interior of Canton Sarajevo, Mr. Admir Katica, Minister of Economy of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Mr. Samir Šibonjić, Advisor to the Federal Minister of Education, Mr. Seid Masnica, President of the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Mirsad Jašarspahić, and many other distinguished guests and friends of IUS.
The welcoming speech was held by the IUS Vice-Rector for General Affairs, Associate Professor Muhammed Yasir Göz, who addressed the attendees and said that the graduates represent the IUS vision of “a learning community that transcends borders, cultures, and religions.” He also added that in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024, the community must not forget the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He urged the graduates to work towards justice, peace, and humanitarian aid and to use their education to advocate for peace initiatives.
The President of the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF), Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, also addressed the audience, stating that the University had never compromised its educational principles and had always prioritized quality. He added that the Foundation for the Development of Education SEDEF has made every effort to provide all kinds of opportunities for IUS students and wished all the best to the 16th generation of its graduates. He also addressed the issue of Gaza: “This year, no student from the universities in Gaza graduated. This is a shame for the entire world. Here we see that when knowledge and insight are in one, it is possible to build goodness and beauty. However, the knowledge in the hands of an oppressor becomes death, tears, and oppression, as we see today in Gaza.”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr. Sadık Babür Girgin, addressed the graduates, their families, and distinguished guests. He praised the University for providing quality education and producing highly competitive professionals. He congratulated the graduates on their hard work and dedication, reminding them that as they step into the professional world, they bear responsibility not only for themselves but also for society and humanity. He highlighted the suffering in Gaza and expressed his hope for more leaders in various fields who are committed to making the world a better place.
Mr. Kemal Ademović, Speaker of the BiH House of Peoples, also spoke at the ceremony. He remarked that the graduates have achieved their academic goals and are now prepared to contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina and their respective countries. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured them that they are now equipped to face them. He urged the graduates to uphold their reputation and the reputation of their profession, with their homelands being of utmost importance. He extended special congratulations to the MA and PhD graduates for their advanced education and wished them successful careers in prestigious institutions. He also expressed gratitude to IUS and the SEDEF Foundation for their ongoing efforts to improve education, thereby fostering quality professionals who will make significant contributions to their countries and the world.
The best undergraduate students of the Class of 2024 are Nermana Ferhatbegović, Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design (VACD) at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS); Sara Prlja, International Business and Finance at the Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA); Ajlin Humkić, Faculty of Law; and Florina Abazi, Genetics and Bioengineering (GBE) at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS). The students were awarded valuable gifts for their exceptional results and achievements.
The Valedictorian of the Class of 2024 is Florina Abazi, who graduated from the Genetics and Bioengineering (GBE) study program at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS). She addressed the audience and thanked IUS and the SEDEF Foundation for creating such an environment where she was not afraid to ask questions and was always inspired to do her best in everything she did. Ms. Abazi particularly thanked her GBE professors, who always supported her to aim high and gave her opportunities to improve her skills and abilities in various fields of study.
