 Dear Bilkenters,
We started our journey to the Student Council with nothing more than a sincere dream of working toward a better Bilkent. With every step, we met a new obstacle and honestly, in many instances, we had no tool but our sincere idealism to unite us. We lurched forward to rise up to Bilkent's reputation and the vision Prof. İhsan Doğramacı had when he first founded this university. Bilkent is Turkey's premier academic institution and for us, this prestigious status is a legacy we Bilkenters ought to live up to, at whatever cost. Many thought our project was pointless and futile, but over time, the flake of our ideals turned into an avalanche and with unity came strength. What seemed at first a dream has now been realized, and we know that without you, this dream could not have been possible. We are not only proud but also grateful to have been entrusted with your support in this worthy duty. Our zeal and commitment to achieving our original ideals; rejuvenating the Bilkent community and taking a more active role in Bilkent's progress toward becoming a globally acclaimed academic institution, a "center of excellence" as envisioned by our founder, will never wither. Science, art and technology were laid out as the three tenets of Bilkent's quest to shed the light of veritas at home and abroad and we, as the Bilkent University Student Council, assure you that we will tirelessly work to live up to your trust and our school's founding vision. "The key to a nation's victory is science, for without science, no military victory can carry a nation forward," said Atatürk at the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly in 1920. Today, Bilkent carries the standard of science on Turkey's road to victory.
From now on, under the light of Atatürk's vision and with the strength of your trust, we will work united to bear Bilkent's standard higher on this epic journey. We will live up to Bilkent's name, founding principles and Atatürk's vision of carrying Turkey forward toward modern civilization. I, on behalf of my colleagues in the Student Council, thank you all for having bestowed this worthy mission upon our shoulders and hope that at the end of our tenure, we will prove you right by achieving the ideals that we have been and always will be remembered by.
Alper Y. Altınel
President, Bilkent University
Student Council
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