First academic year started with a ceremony at ARUCAD
The opening of Cyprus and the surrounding region’s sole art, design, communication university Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design’s (ARUCAD) 2018-2019 maiden academic year was realised with a ceremony held at the University campus.
2018-2019 Academic Year opening ceremony was attended by National Education and Culture Minister Cemal Özyiğit, Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister Erkut Şahali, Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia Yasin Temizkan, Chairman of the Arkin Group Board Erbil Arkin, Head of the ARUCAD Board of Trustees Dr. Sinan Arkin, Rector Prof. Turan Aksoy, deputy rectors, academicians, administrative personnel and many guests.
At ARUCAD; which had marked its foundation in 2017 with an exhibition of 34 pieces of original works by Auguste Rodin, one of the pioneers of modern art, and his close circle; the academic year opening ceremony kicked off with the observation of a moment’s silence which was followed by singing of the national anthem. The screening of a short video film that was prepared by the Communications Faculty and was entitled “I am a dreamer” received a standing ovation from the audience. A short concert by the Classical Trio was followed by speeches.
Prof. Turan Aksoy: We are inviting students to ARUCAD with a clear conscience of mind
Rector Prof. Turan Aksoy started his speech by welcoming the first students of the university and added “The fact that it has enrolled students and started education only six/seven months after it had received the permission for education from YÖDAK , its very workshops, (and the kind of ceramic and glass workshops that it boasts are hard to find in the rest of the world), international exhibitions that it staged in Nicosia and Kyrenia, the support that it has given to societal activities have shown that ARUCAD is an inseparable part and supporter of the socio-cultural life of Cyprus.”
He went on to say “The courses that were open to the members of the public, and Cyprus’s first FabLab which is also open to the public and whose societal responsibilty is to be a design and production mechanism first and foremost were also accomplished during this period. We have lecturers whose only care is their workshops and their works of art and design, our employees who execute different designs and products , and partners in the international arena like De Montfort with which we concluded an agreement last week. That is why we are inviting students to ARUCAD with a clear conscience. “
Professor Aksoy concluded his speech by wishing students and lecturers a year during which they would make the most of the time and conditions that they will find.
Dr. Sinan Arkin: To support design in the region and the world
Head of the Board of Trustees Dr Sinan Arkin started his words by saying “In this short period of time, we have built a campus, recruited our talented staff, obtained our university status and are already making a real difference in the community.” He added “ARUCAD’s main mission is to promote art and design in the region and in the world not only through its higher education programs but also through public education and outreach as well as the services it provides to the creative industries.”
He explained that the cooperation agreement that was signed last week with the De Montfort University of Leeds, UK was very important and that for ARUCAD this important partnership was only the beginning. He added “We will continue making the investments that will facilitate these achievements and move us closer to reaching our ultimate aim of making the ARUCAD brand be recognized around the world as synonymous with creativity and innovation.”
Chairman of the Arkin Group Board Erbil Arkin said he was experiencing the joy of seeing the realization of his biggest ever dream and advised the students to chase their dreams.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister Erkut Şahali said those who followed their dreams changed the world and told the students that they needed to make a difference in the field of their respective studies and be pioneers of initiatives that would take the country forward.
Cemal Özyiğit: There is no wall or barrier that cannot be overcome with science, art, technology and communications
National Education and Culture Minister Cemal Özyiğit in his speech said “It is rather important that at its maiden year the university has started providing education for students from seven different countries and that it has signed a cooperation agreement with the respectable British university De Montfort. There is no wall or barrier that cannot be overcome with science, art, technology and communications; for as long as we progress by pursuing our dreams.”
2018-2019 Academic Year Opening Ceremony was concluded with a cocktail that was accompanied by a concert.