On May 16th our scholar student Yazgi Akata graduated from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences with honors (Magna Cum Laude). We are all so proud of her accomplishments not only academically but also socially as she has been involved in many different activities and clubs the school had to offer. In addition to all this, Yazgi continued to be a Teaching Assistant in three different undergraduate classes.
Here are some highlights from the Graduation Ceremony as well as the dinner held in her honor bringing together people who have been a big part in Yazgi's journey in the past few years.
Yazgi has been accepted to the PhD program for Computer Science at Virginia Tech. We wish her all the success. We will continue to cheer her on as she is now part of the YEF family. We hope that in the future Yazgi will become a mentor for future scholars just like her borthers and sisters before her.
Congrats Yazgi!
Yazgi waiting to get onto the stage to receive her diploma
Yazgi receiving her diploma from President Tripathi
Left photo: Josepsh Hindrawan, Halit Yildirim, Emre Colak, Ann Ford, Yazgi, Paul Tafler, Matt Yildizlar, Faye Yildizlar, Seniz Yildirim, Nuala Laquidara
Samantha General, UB's Associate Director of Stewardship for Donor Relations kindly put together an amazing dinner event to celebrate Yazgi's accomplishments.
Among the attendees were;
Wendy Irving, Associate Vice President for Planned Giving
John Wood, Senior Associate Vice Provost from the Office of International Education
Halit & Seniz Yildirim. long time YEF supporters and host family
Ann Ford & Nuala Laquidara, Yazgi's host family from New Jersey.
Paul Tafler, Yazgi;s friend.
Emre Colak, former scholar student and YEF Advisory Board member
Joseph Hindrawan, Retired Associate Vice Provost for Overseas Programs and Partnerships and YEF Advisory Board member.
Dr. Stephen Dunnett, Retired Vice Provost from the Office of International Education and YEF Advisory Board member
Matt & Faye Yildizlar, Founder and Chair of YEF.
