WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2025 – Bay Atlantic University (BAU) celebrated its annual commencement ceremony today, honoring the graduating Class of 2025. The ceremony began with an impressive presentation by the U.S. Space Force Honor Guard, adding a powerful and patriotic start to the momentous occasion. Held at the National Press Club in the heart of the nation’s capital, the event underscored BAU’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to students from all backgrounds, empowering them to “Dare to Dream” and shape a better future.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of notable guests, including the Ambassador of Cyprus Damla Guclu, Board chair Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, Board members Joanne Dowdell and Michael G. Schneider, alongside BAU’s faculty, staff, and proud families and friends of the graduates. A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Eylem Senyuz, Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Strategy Analyst at Truist Advisory Services, Inc.
Dr. Yildirmaz delivered an inspiring address, reflecting on her journey as an international student arriving in the U.S. and highlighting the vision of BAU’s founder, Mr. Enver Yucel, in creating a university dedicated to the global education dream and transformative education. Dr. Yildirmaz proudly announced two significant initiatives poised to propel BAU into its next chapter: the Cyber Edge Innovation Hub (CEIH), a state-of-the-art laboratory focused on cutting-edge technologies like cybersecurity and AI, and the newly established Center for Innovation and Global Entrepreneurship (CIGE), designed to foster entrepreneurial spirit and provide resources for students and alumni to launch their ventures.
“Today marks a major milestone in your lives, one filled with pride, purpose, and the promise of new beginnings,” said Dr. Yildirmaz to the graduating class. “Your education at Bay Atlantic has prepared you not just with knowledge, but with perspective. Dare to dream, and know that the American Dream lives on in you.”
President Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran echoed this sentiment in her address, emphasizing BAU’s remarkable growth and unwavering commitment to its students. “You walked through our doors with curiosity and courage, and today, you walk across this stage with knowledge, resilience, and purpose,” she stated, acknowledging the dynamic and ambitious Class of 2025, including the university’s many international students.
Dr. Vatanartiran highlighted key achievements of the past year, including the welcoming of over 300 new students from more than 30 countries, the launch of five new in-demand academic programs in fields like Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, and the increase of scholarship support to nearly $16 million.
Looking towards the future, President Vatanartiran unveiled BAU’s new motto: “Dare to Dream.” “It is more than a slogan,” she explained. “It is a call to action. We dare to dream of a university that not only educates but also transforms. Of a student body that not only succeeds but also leads. Of graduates who not only achieve but give back.”
In her concluding remarks to the graduates, Dr. Vatanartiran urged them to embrace ambition, kindness, fairness, and hard work in their future endeavors. “This is not goodbye. This is a commencement, a beginning. We will remember each one of you. And we cannot wait to see the future you create.”
Bay Atlantic University demonstrates the impact of a bold vision: making education available to everyone, no matter their background. With a strong focus on practical skills, global engagement, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, BAU is shaping the next generation of leaders, empowering them to dream fearlessly and lead the way to create lasting change in the world. By valuing every student’s journey and voice, BAU continues to build a global community driven by purpose, innovation, and change.
About Bay Atlantic University
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Bay Atlantic University (BAU) is a private, not-for-profit institution committed to providing accessible, high-quality education with a global perspective. Founded on the principle that education should be for everyone, BAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world application, BAU empowers students from all backgrounds to dare to dream and make a meaningful impact on society.
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