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Solemn opening ceremony dedicated to the new academic year (2016-2017) has been held by American University of Cyprus (AUC), in Nicosia on November, 2.
Official event took place in Arabahmet House of Culture and Art (Arabahmet Kültür ve Sanat Evi) and was entitled ”Women and Life ”.
The TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertugruloğlu, and Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Turkey Özdemir Berova attended this ceremony as honorable guests.
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The Chancellor of GAU and AUC, Mr Serhat Akpınar welcomed new students and new administration of the American University of Cyprus, expressing the privilege to have Prof. Serdar Saydam as University’s new Rector.
Mr Serhat Akpınar wished the Rector and his esteemed team success in leading the institution and implementing noble projects into life.
Prof. KAÜ Rector Dr. Serdar Saydam talked about the title of the ceremony in his speech:
“As Ataturk said, everything we see on Earth is the work of a woman. On behalf of American University of Cyprus, we have chosen this theme as a focus of our following academic year. Within the framework of cooperation with women, we will continue to contribute to our region in 2016-2017 with social responsibility projects. As KAU, we are moving towards the goal of making this educational region an area of learning in the light of science, growing and developing in the Arabahmet region, the inner city area “.
Women & Life
Notion of universal culture which is inseparably linked with education was mentioned by the Chancellor of GAU and AUC, Mr Serhat Akpınar. He quoted the prominent feminist writer Chimamanda Adichiewas: “culture does not make people –people make culture.”
Indeed, it is in the best interest of all people to eliminate the cultural barriers that prevent men and women from being equal, in their constitution of Humanity. It is in this respect, Mr Serhat Akpınar mentioned, that we must do better to empower women from all backgrounds to participate in the public life, and in decision-making posts. “Because none of us can witness progress, if some of us are entrapped by social and cultural barriers hindering creativity and innovation.”
He also mentioned an important issue of creativity in his speech stating:
“It is easier to copy a model, than to build something new.”
In other words, it is less challenging to go from 1 to 2, 2 to 3, than to start something “from scratch”. As Mr Serhat Akpınar has wisely said: “What is difficult, and what truly matters is going from 0 to 1. Creation, and creativity is building something fresh and different.”
Mr Serhat Akpınar continued his speech describing the missions and nature of American University of Cyprus which reflect the philosophy of creative innovation and constant self-improvement:
“As the founders of AUC, we envisioned an institution that precisely aims to defy from the traditional, go-to model of philosophy of teaching, and instead we built an institution that sees education as a facilitator –as an enabler – of learning, and accessing opportunities. Today is a good day to remember what sets this institution apart, what mission it took upon itself, and what mission it sets upon its students.”
The motto of Cyprus American University says “Knowledge is Power”. This statement of Francis Bacon has been a driving force and “a rich tradition that was voiced over and over in the Enlightenment Years of Europe”. Knowledge, and the noble pursuit of it, has led to realization of Universal Human Rights, to building Democracies, and enabled the Information Age to come.
“Knowledge, has helped humanity to go from 0 to 1 in realizing our collective potential, and has justified everyone’s pursuit of their dreams and their aspirations.” – Mr Serhat Akpınar said. He expressed his hope for the students of GAU and KAU to learn with this creativity approach, appreciating the true essence of the knowledge. “I urge our students to strive to move from 0 to 1, to challenge themselves to think bigger and creatively without any frontiers.” – he said.
Aspiring to new achievements, abolishing socio-cultural stereotypes and moving forward to the better Humanity and the better World, empowered by Knowledge, – that is an encouraging motive, introduced by American University of Cyprus at the start of its new academic year.
We wish Cyprus Observer readers enlightening days full of discoveries and positive news in 2016-2017! Looking forward to becoming more luminous with you all and receiving thought-provoking material/comments within our creative collaboration…
By T.Khafizou
For Cyprus Observer – Luminous Outlook of Local Life & More
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