The opening ceremony of the “60+ Rejuvenation University”, initiated by Kırklareli University to support active and healthy aging and to strengthen the participation of elderly individuals in social and academic life, was held with the participation of Kırklareli Governor Uğur Turan and his spouse Mrs. Nihal Turan, Mrs. Filiz Canbaş Köse, our Rector Prof. Dr. Rengin Ak, and members of the provincial protocol.
The ceremony was also attended by our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Eylem Özkaya Lassalle, Prof. Dr. Murat Gençbay, and Prof. Dr. Meryem Çamur Demir; Rector’s Advisor Prof. Dr. Seçkin Yavuzdoğan; Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Bilgin Özbaş; academic and administrative staff; and students.
The event began with a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the opening speech delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeliz Mercan, Director of the Intergenerational Development Center and Founding Coordinator of the 60+ Rejuvenation University. In her speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mercan stated:
“Our university is not only for young people but for individuals of all ages who wish to learn. The 60+ Rejuvenation University reflects our mission to serve society through a scientifically grounded, socially responsible, and volunteer-based approach.”
In her address, our Rector Prof. Dr. Rengin Ak emphasized that learning, productivity, and sharing are not limited by age, saying:
“This project is a concrete expression of our belief in lifelong learning and our conviction that productivity in society is not bound by age. As a university, we deeply respect life experience, wisdom, and knowledge. I sincerely hope that this meaningful initiative will bring benefit to our university, to Kırklareli, and to our country.”
Kırklareli Governor Uğur Turan highlighted in his speech that elderly individuals represent the memory and cultural heritage of society, stating:
“Our elders are the strongest bridge connecting a society’s past and future. The 60+ Rejuvenation University Project is a highly valuable initiative that reintegrates their knowledge and experience into social life, bringing meaning and vitality to their lives. This pioneering initiative by our university will make significant contributions to establishing a culture of lifelong learning and strengthening intergenerational solidarity in our province.”
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic ribbon-cutting and a group photo session.
KLU
