The White Coat Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kastamonu University was held on October 16, 2026, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center. At the ceremony, our students took their first steps into the veterinary profession by putting on their white coats.  

Former Minister Murat Başesgioğlu, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Özgür Kaynar, representatives of public institutions and organizations, our academic and administrative staff, other guests, as well as our students and their families, attended.  

The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Özgür Kaynar, expressed his happiness at witnessing the students take their first steps into the veterinary profession.

Emphasizing that the white coat symbolizes scientific knowledge, conscience, compassion, and professional responsibility, Kaynar highlighted the importance of raising students as individuals who adhere to ethical values and prioritize animal health and societal benefit during their educational processes. Kaynar thanked the families who support the students and the academics who contributed.  

Our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, emphasized the goal of carrying this accumulation into the future through scientific studies by referring to the deep-rooted history and educational tradition of Kastamonu. He stated that veterinary education should be supported not only by theoretical knowledge but also by practical skills, scientific thinking, adherence to ethical values, and a sense of social responsibility.  

Emphasizing that veterinarians take on roles in public health, food safety, animal production, and sustainable agriculture in addition to protecting animal health, Kaymakcı stated that the agricultural and livestock potential of Kastamonu makes the veterinary profession even more important for the region. Stating that our university's educational and research activities provide students with the opportunity to gain professional competence and contribute to the needs of the region, Kaymakcı wished success to the students wearing their white coats in their education and professional lives.  

Speaking at the program, former Minister Murat Başesgioğlu stated that the white coat ceremony is a meaningful and honorable day for students as they step into their professional lives. Referring to our university's 20-year development process, Başesgioğlu highlighted the progress made in scientific, technological, and academic fields. Our university has become an institution that can compete with other higher education institutions at both national and international levels and stands out with its scientific work, thanks in particular to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal. He thanked the academic and administrative staff, including Ahmet Hamdi Topal. 

Referring to the agriculture and livestock-based economic structure of Kastamonu, Başesgioğlu stressed the importance of qualified veterinarians in the region and the country. He advised the students to follow scientific and technological developments, to apply the knowledge and experience they have gained, and to constantly improve themselves. Emphasizing the importance of the interest and support shown to students by the people of Kastamonu, Başesgioğlu thanked the families who have been with the students throughout their educational lives and wished the young people success in their academic and professional lives. 

After Başesgioğlu's speech, a short film titled "At the Center of Health in Every Moment of Life: Veterinary Medicine" was screened. After the screening, the students were dressed in white coats by members of the protocol, representatives of public institutions and organizations, academics, and guests. At the end of the program, a plaque was presented to Başesgioğlu.

As part of the ceremony, a software program that combines traditional anatomy education with digital technologies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, in line with the Higher Education Council's (YÖK) 2030 vision, was introduced.

The program ended after the commemorative photo shoot.