Kocaeli's first psychology graduates graduated from KOSTÜ, research assistant Afra Konyalı obtained the university championship

Kocaeli Health and Technology University (KOSTÜ) experienced the justified pride of graduating the first students of its Psychology Department, which had been eagerly awaited since its establishment, at the 2025-2026 academic year graduation ceremony. The university's academic staff and administration celebrated this first success of the department, which started its educational life four years ago and rapidly adapted to the city's social structure, with a ceremony. In his speech, the Head of the Department, Dr. Lecturer Ali Ruhan Çelik, emphasized that the department's curriculum was prepared taking into account today's technological developments and professional innovations. Çelik also recalled the importance of being the only psychology department in Kocaeli, stating that graduates will now serve as expert psychologists in the field and conveyed his thanks to everyone who contributed.

At the ceremony, the greatest attention and interest was on Afra Konyalı, who achieved both the department championship and the university championship at the same time. While continuing her academic career as a research assistant at Kocaeli University Faculty of Theology, Konyalı completed this undergraduate education in a period that coincided exactly with the challenging process of writing her doctoral thesis. Successfully continuing her undergraduate education in addition to her intensive research duties in the academic world and managing these two challenging processes together won great appreciation in academic circles. This success stems not only from personal determination but also from a disciplined work schedule and dedication to academic life. Her presence on the university campus as a research assistant represents a rare and successful example of combining student life with academic duty.

Psychology Department Head Dr. Lecturer Ali Ruhan Çelik, in his statements, drew attention to the strategic importance for the city of being the only psychology department in Kocaeli, describing this situation as a source of responsibility and pride. He expressed that the high effort shown since the establishment of the department and the opportunities provided by the university administration played a decisive role in reaching this successful graduation ceremony today. Çelik stated that the success of the student Afra Konyalı, who came first, revealed the quality of the department and the potential of the students, and said they were grateful to all academics sharing this pride and to the families who entrusted their children to the university with confidence. This speech also revealed that the department is not just an educational institution, but also a center that contributes to the social fabric of the city.

The university and department top graduate Afra Konyalı, in her speech at the ceremony, shared her happiness by stating that this was the third undergraduate diploma she had received to date, but that she was deemed worthy of such a prestigious title as school champion and department champion for the first time. Despite the intense pressure and work pace brought by writing her doctoral thesis during her psychology education, she stated that the process turned into a very efficient and enjoyable experience for her. Konyalı said she chose this department due to her curiosity to understand humans and the human soul, and her desire to gain extra knowledge was effective in this decision. Expressing her satisfaction with the opening of such a department in her city, Konyalı added that in our time, individuals need the science of psychology and expert support more than ever.

The first graduates of the Psychology Department within Kocaeli Health and Technology University are preparing to enter the field as experts thanks to the modern and up-to-date education they received. As emphasized by the department head, the fact that the curriculum is prepared in line with the latest technology and professional developments will facilitate the adaptation process of graduates in business life and equip them in their field. The graduation ceremony is of great importance not only in terms of an educational institution giving its first students, but also in terms of a new dynamic added to the academic and social life of the region. Future graduates of this department, which is the only one in Kocaeli, will continue to make significant contributions to mental health services in the city.