The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) proudly and festively bid farewell to the Class of 2025 on Monday, June 23, 2025. The graduation ceremony marked the 17th generation of IUS graduates, held on the vibrant university campus. Around 280 young men and women from 12 different countries celebrated this significant academic milestone, ready to embark on a new chapter in their lives.
The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Türkiye, and other countries, alongside the graduates' proud families and friends. Notable attendees included the President of the Board of the İlim Yayma Foundation, Mr. Necmetin Bilal Erdoğan; Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to BiH, His Excellency Mr. Emin Akseki; President of the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF), Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu; Speaker of the BiH House of Representatives, Mr. Denis Zvizdić; as well as several advisors to BiH Presidency members, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, and other prominent guests including city and state officials.
The ceremony opened with a speech by IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, who expressed pride in IUS becoming a leading higher education institution in the region. He highlighted the strategic partnerships with prominent Turkish universities, including Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul University, Marmara University, and the Health Sciences University, particularly through the Double Diploma Program. He proudly announced the graduation of the first cohort from this program. He also thanked families for entrusting IUS with their children’s education—an ultimate sign of trust. Addressing the graduates, he said:
"Today, you are not only receiving a diploma, but also gaining an identity, responsibility, and a mission. You have been nurtured to serve humanity—now is the time to bring this vision to society."
President of SEDEF, Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, reaffirmed the Foundation’s continuous efforts to elevate IUS’s academic standards through strategic investments in infrastructure and research. He told graduates that their most valuable reference would be IUS itself and expressed confidence in their future success. In a somber moment, he reminded the audience that for yet another year, there are no graduates in Gaza, hoping that good will ultimately prevail.
Mr. Necmetin Bilal Erdoğan, President of the Board of the İlim Yayma Foundation, reflected on the historical and emotional ties between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for IUS, stressing that investing in people and education is key to the future. He called on graduates to contribute to their home countries and to be alumni who proudly represent IUS, keeping their bond with the university strong.
H.E. Mr. Emin Akseki, Ambassador of Republic of Türkiye to BiH, stated that IUS has, since its establishment in 2004, played a crucial role in sharing Türkiye’s academic values and has earned a special place in the hearts of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He encouraged the graduates to serve as goodwill ambassadors, continuing to build bridges between the two nations.
In his inspiring address to the students and academic community at the International University of Sarajevo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Denis Zvizdić emphasized the vital importance of both education and character development in today’s rapidly changing, technology-driven world. He urged students to seek understanding, critical thinking, and practical application over rote memorization, while also cultivating values such as honesty, compassion, and social responsibility. Citing global conflicts—particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—he called for awareness of geopolitical changes and stresses the need for adaptable, morally grounded leaders. Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a historic bridge between East and West, has a key role to play in future global peace. Concluding with the message that education is a lifelong journey, he encouraged students to remain curious, committed, and ethically driven contributors to society.
One of the most memorable moments was a video message from Šejma Hasak, the first graduate of the IUS - Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Double Diploma Program. Now pursuing her Master’s in Italy, she congratulated her fellow graduates and wished them all continued success. Another meaningful part of the ceremony was the awarding of Mr. Doğukan Kılıç, a student of the Faculty of Law (FLW) and President of the IUS Student Parliament. He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the IUS Rector in recognition of his leadership, initiative, and unwavering commitment to the student community. His dedication to student engagement and representation was honored as an inspiring example of student leadership at IUS.
Outstanding undergraduate students of the Class of 2025 were also recognized:
- Meryem Krlić Küçükaytekın – Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design (VACD) study program, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
- Hanan Babić – International Business and Finance (IBF) study program, Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA)
- Safija Doğan – Turkish Language and Literature (TLT) study program, Faculty of Education (FEDU)
- Adna Smajić – Faculty of Law (FLW)
- Sadžida Valjevac – Software Engineering (SE) study program, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS)
These students were awarded for their exceptional academic achievements.
The Valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Adna Smajić, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to her professors, classmates, and family for their unwavering support. She emphasized the unique bond among students from diverse backgrounds and the strength they found in one another.
The ceremony concluded with fireworks and the traditional tossing of graduation caps. IUS is honored to have been part of the academic journey of these bright young individuals and extends best wishes for their continued happiness, success, and good health.
