Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Aging Studies Application and Research Center (YAŞAM) organized a meaningful event for the residents of Burdur Hilmi Hafize Evin Nursing Home. In the 'Graduation of Experiences' program held after five weeks of events, the nursing home residents experienced the joy of receiving their graduation certificates and medals.
Meaningful Meeting at Avşarhan Cinema Hall
The event, attended by about 30 residents of Burdur Hilmi Hafize Evin Nursing Home who received their diplomas, took place at MAKÜ Avşarhan Cinema Hall. The program was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, Bucak Mayor Hülya Gümüş, university administration, academicians, students, and nursing home residents.
Opening Speech by YAŞAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Say Şahin
In her opening speech, YAŞAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Say Şahin talked about the studies conducted by their center in the field of geriatrics and gerontology. She stated that they determined the theme of 'loneliness' for 2024 and that they will continue to work on the theme of 'happiness' with elderly values in 2025. She emphasized that they made a difference in the academic world with the research and field studies they conducted in this area through the events held. She also mentioned that their center provided consultancy services to 68 master's and doctoral students and organized informational meetings for 1500 undergraduate students in the past year. While presenting the activities they conducted with the nursing home residents with slides, Say Şahin thanked everyone who contributed, especially the volunteer students of the Aging Studies Community.
Then, Happiness Research Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan made a short speech, talking about the effects of these events on the elderly as the Happiness Coordination. He shared somatic data.
Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar: “Today we saw how universal knowledge is transformed into social contribution and happiness”
Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar emphasized the university's vision of social contribution in his speech. He expressed the importance of projects aimed at touching every segment of society for the university and stated that he was proud to share in the happiness of the nursing home residents.
Rector Dalgar emphasized that when they took office, they created a policy document and priorities with the motto of transforming universal knowledge into social contribution; “Actually, today we saw how universal knowledge is transformed into social contribution and happiness, how it is reflected to people in every layer of society in a very concrete way, and in the end, the fact that this has been scientifically measured is much more meaningful and a fitting determination for the university, academia, and the scientific world in this aspect. I really thank the valuable elders we will graduate today for participating in this program,” he said.
Saying “Age but do not grow old,” Rector Dalgar added that the university plans to expand its rural development-oriented studies with new projects like the 'Village University'.
Emotional Speeches from Nursing Home Residents
In the event, nursing home residents Aysel Demiral and Hüseyin Şengül also made speeches expressing their feelings. The nursing home residents stated that these events made them very happy and expressed their desire to see them continue.
Diploma and Medal Ceremony
In the program, graduation certificates and medals were presented to the nursing home residents by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar and Bucak Mayor Hülya Gümüş. The graduates, whose happiness was evident on their faces, thanked those who contributed and wished for the continuation of the events.
Fun-Filled Closing with Folk Songs
The program concluded with folk songs performed by the instructors of the MAKÜ Conservatory Department. While the participants had enjoyable moments, the event was etched in memories as an unforgettable day for both academicians and nursing home residents.
This meaningful organization was highly appreciated as a beautiful example of MAKÜ's understanding of social contribution and social responsibility.
