Our Alumni Gathered on ITU Day to Say, “I’m Glad I Lived That Dream”

Istanbul Technical University alumni and their families gathered for the 253rd ITU Day, bonded by a lifelong sense of belonging and memories of unforgettable years. Generations spanning from 10 to over 70 years in their professions came together to reminisce about the shared dream of becoming an ITU student.

The 253rd ITU Day was held on May 10, 2026, drawing a massive turnout of alumni and their families, primarily at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center (SDKM), as well as across all faculties and the conservatory. The ceremonies at SDKM, organized into three separate sessions for alumni celebrating "70+ and 60 years," "50 years," and "40 years" in their professions, commenced with a Moment of Silence and the National Anthem in honor of the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, our departed ITU alumni, and our martyrs.

In his opening remarks across the ITU Day sessions, ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal emphasized that reuniting with alumni was both a thrilling experience and a profound reminder of responsibility. He noted that since their graduation, ITU alumni have continued to "make honey" and generate value—true to the university's "bee" emblem—across the public, private, and non-governmental sectors, both in Türkiye and around the world. As ITU Day coincided with Mother's Day, he also extended his heartfelt greetings to all mothers, especially the alumni.

During his presentation detailing the historical journey of the bee badge, our Rector explained the symbolic meaning of the "bee" from the perspective of the past, present, and future for both Türkiye and the world. Listing the pioneering milestones ITU has achieved in our country, Prof. Dr. Mandal paid tribute to Prof. Dr. Mustafa İnan. He provided insights into the wide array of ongoing research at ITU today, ranging from quantum computing and digital twin studies to critical technologies necessary for our national independence, the development of artificial intelligence agents, promising nuclear technologies like SMRs and fusion, and seismic risk monitoring. He highlighted remarkable achievements by student project teams in 2025, including ITU students ranking first globally in the number of papers presented at the prestigious IAC 2026. He also underscored ITU's standing in international rankings.

Sharing examples of infrastructure established—and planned—at ITU through alumni donations, as well as the growing scholarship funds fueled by these contributions, our Rector reiterated the importance the university places on connecting with alumni both domestically and abroad. Pointing to the upward trend in the number of students from the top 1,000 of the national university entrance exam choosing ITU, Prof. Dr. Mandal stated that, by merging their passion with their responsibilities, they will continue to work even harder, drawing strength from the presence of our alumni.

In his speech, Haşim Gürdamar, a 1958 graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and a university donor, spoke about the ITU alumni who have left profound marks on Türkiye. He stated that the Technical University is an institution that raises Türkiye's administrators, industrialists, and business leaders, and that today's students should be viewed with this awareness and a forward-looking perspective. He reminded the audience that he was raised by the Republic, and when stepping into life, his only capital was the "diploma he received from the Technical University." He expressed that this diploma earned him respect in his community and that the education he received brought him success in the business world. Drawing on his experiences spanning from the challenging conditions of the early Republic to the present day, he shared his dedication to striving for better and more accessible education for children and youth.

ITU alumni celebrating 60 years, 70 years, and beyond in their professions received their plaques from our Rector, Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, during the ceremony held in the first half of the day. One of the most unforgettable moments was when Fuat Diriker, a 1946 graduate of Civil Engineering with a master's degree, received his 80th-anniversary plaque.

In the afternoon segment of the traditional event, the 50-year and 40-year alumni, who were presented with their plaques in the SDKM foyer area, were called to the stage by name with their plaques during ceremonies held in two separate sessions. Our Rector took photos with each alumnus, and subsequently, departments immortalized this special day with group photos.

The sessions at SDKM were crowned with Turkish classical music. During the morning session, Lecturer Safinaz Rizeli accompanied Lecturer Berke Meyman from the ITU Turkish Music State Conservatory on the kanun (zither) as he sang. In the afternoon sessions, the ITU Turkish Music State Conservatory Youth Orchestra took the stage. Conducted by Prof. Cihangir Terzi, young ITU artists performed beloved pieces from Turkish classical and folk music. The "ITU Anthem" was the final piece performed in the repertoire. The highly acclaimed recital served as one of the most beautiful intergenerational representations of ITU belonging.

Alumni celebrating their 30th, 20th, and 10th years in their professions shared the enthusiasm of ITU Day at their respective faculties and the Turkish Music State Conservatory (TMDK).

ITU Day offered diverse experiences for participants of all ages, especially children, with entertainment areas on the MED Lawns and booths set up by student clubs and project teams. Thanks to the arrangement in the student dining hall, alumni and their families enjoyed the nostalgia of having lunch using meal tokens.