From the Rector
Dear Members of the
Bilkent Community,
Nineteen years have passed since Bilkent admitted its first students. Back in 1986 it was
a different world. Many people in Turkey did not understand the concept of higher
education outside the state university system. However, the benefits of non-profit
universities established by foundations have become apparent over time. There are so many
people who, after opposing the establishment of Bilkent in the 1980s, later on decided to
send their children here, and they themselves now frequently attend Bilkent concerts, and
make use of Bilkent’s library.
This is just one example of how people change their views over time. It happens to all of
us in different ways. I am sixty years old, and have changed my opinions about so many
things over time, as I learned more and more. In life, we all experience changes in our
opinions--this is an inevitable consequence of an increase in knowledge. And this is good,
because we end up with better opportunities and, hopefully, better lives. An increase in
knowledge comes not only through reading books, but also through meeting new and different
people with different backgrounds and opinions, and through living the experience of
interaction with them over time.
The search for truth involves exploration of things we don’t already know. This includes
exploring new circles of friends and new surroundings. An engineering student may wish to
take a course in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture; a student in the Faculty of
Humanities and Letters may consider taking a course in economics; and so on. Professors in
different departments may work together to offer joint courses and seminars, and carry out
research that bridges disciplines.
Bilkent is a community of great diversity. It is enriched by the presence of scholars in
diverse fields, some coming from different countries and with different experiences. We
also enjoy a diverse student body coming from different schools, regions and backgrounds.
The more we learn from each other, the better we can be prepared for the future. With
these thoughts on reaching out and exploring what lies beyond your current experience, I
wish you a wonderful new academic year.
Ali Doğramacı
rector@bilkent.edu.tr
Also in this issue:
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Bilkent Draws Top-Scoring Students
Based on the results announced by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM),
Bilkent University continues to attract Turkey’s best students. Thirty-two of the 100
students with the highest scores on the 2005 University Entrance Exam (ÖSS) chose to
study at Bilkent this year.
Last week, on September 9, these top-scoring students visited the President of Bilkent
University and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. İhsan Doğramacı.
Hocabey, pointing out the important role of students in a university, welcomed them with
these words: “You have entered one of the best universities in the world. Bilkent
University’s further advancement is in your hands. Your success will be our success.
This is your home. In addition to your classes, participate in sports, listen to music,
involve yourselves in arts and culture.”
Overall, the 100 students with the highest scores on the exam elected to enter eight
different universities. The number of students enrolling at each is as follows:
Bilkent University - 32
Boğaziçi University - 30
METU - 14
Hacettepe University - 12
Sabancı University - 6
Fatih University - 3
Koç University - 2
İstanbul University - 1
From the Dean of Students
It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the academic year of 2005-2006.
As you embark on a brand new beginning, please look around and be receptive to the
opportunities presented to you. Cast your nets out towards the social, intellectual and
cultural resources available. Be open to new experiences. Take an Aikido class, attend a
lecture outside your own field; enjoy a work of art, recite a poem, join a sports team;
volunteer in a community project, sign up with a club; enjoy the library, tune in to Radio
Bilkent. Be social, be active and get involved.
Enjoy your academic odyssey, which will take you on a tour of horizons that will stimulate
your determination, intellectual curiosity, creativity and team spirit and help you
accumulate all the positive skills one can develop in an academic setting.
As you pursue your dreams, you can at the same time enrich your life by participating in
the wide variety of events, games and activities at Bilkent, which may very well help
guide you on your road to enlightenment. Best wishes to you all! Perin Öztin
New Radio Bilkent Studio
Now in the Food Court!
Radio Bilkent didn't take a break for the summer, and its 2005-2006 academic year
broadcasts have begun. In addition, from now on, your campus radio station will be even
closer to you!
Radio Bilkent welcomes you to our new Orçun Gül Studio, named in memory of one of Radio
Bilkent's graduate DJs, whom we lost last February. On September 7, the studio’s opening
ceremony took place. Orçun Gül’s family attended the ceremony, and his father cut the
ribbon.
The Orçun Gül Studio is located in the main campus food court. From there, the station
broadcasts live on weekdays from noon to 2 p.m. Students have the opportunity to be
involved in our programs by requesting songs that will be played immediately. And, you'll
be able to watch as well as listen.
So, if you want to really experience the music, Radio Bilkent is waiting for you in the
food court!
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