The ceremony was attended by Nevşehir Governor Ali Fidan, Former Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Mahmut Özer, Former Secretary General of the National Security Council Seyfullah Hacımüftüoğlu, Former Minister of Culture and Tourism Atilla Koç, Former Chief Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç, our Chair of the Board of Trustees Funda F. Aktan, Erciyes University Rector Prof. Dr. Kurtuluş Karamustafa, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Ali Karasar, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kaan Aktan, our Members of the Board of Trustees Atilla Koç, Hasan Ünver, Dr. Şeref Oğuz, Mustafa Uysal, Funda Bağana, Abdullah Akça, Bekir Ağırdır, and Mustafa Cihat Lokmanoğlu attended.

Nevşehir Governor Ali Fidan: “Our University Adds Value to Our City”

In his speech, Nevşehir Governor Ali Fidan emphasized the importance of our university to the region and the country, saying:

“With over 12,000 students, approximately 400 faculty members, and nearly 300 academic staff, our Cappadocia University is a center of knowledge and wisdom that adds value to our city, region, and country. While educating our youth in many fields, from aviation and healthcare to informatics and tourism, it also makes significant contributions to the preservation of our region's architecture, gastronomy, local values, and culture of life. As public institutions, we consider it our duty to contribute to these efforts of our university.”

Former Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Mahmut Özer: “Don't Give Up”

Former Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Mahmut Özer emphasized the importance of Alev Alatlı's legacy for Turkey, stating:

The most important message Ms. Alev left us is, ‘No matter what, don't give up.’ This valuable legacy she brought to Turkey's intellectual world will continue to spread like wildfire through this center. We will continue to work together to ensure Cappadocia University reaches many more 20th and 40th years.”

Our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Funda F. Aktan: “From 68 Students to Today…”

Our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Funda F. Aktan, described the progress our university has made since its founding:

“Our university started with 5 departments and 68 students. We accepted our first students through an additional quota. From those days to today, we have expanded this adventure, which began with a very low student population, to numerous departments and over 12,000 students. We are delighted to be here today with our esteemed guests who have witnessed this growth and development. I would like to thank all our academics, administrative staff, and alumni who have contributed to this development, and I wish our university continued growth for many more years to come.”

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Hasan Ali Karasar: “We Continue to Take Every Task Seriously”

In his speech, Rector, Prof. Dr. Hasan Ali Karasar, highlighted Alev Alatlı’s role in the development of our university and said the following:

“Alev, Professor Alev, wove this university like a lacework, with every program and every corner. She wanted us to take everything we do seriously. This seriousness has led to the formation of a leadership team dedicated to excellence. We continue on our path with an approach that is never satisfied with anything and always strives for better. Throughout our years working together, Professor Alev used to say, "Turkey is going through a sharp turn." We must navigate this turn safely for our country, our nation, and our children. Today is the 20th anniversary of our university and also Professor Alev's birthday. We remember him with mercy and send Fatihas to his soul.