Soran University held its fifth graduation ceremony on the September 29,2014 at the Soran Occasions Hall. This fifth cohort of students graduated in the presence of Mr. Hamid Darbandi, representing Mr Masoud Barzani the President of Kurdistan, Mr Yusef Goran the Minister of Higher Education, Professor Michael Gunter, invited guest from the United States to deliver the keynote speech, Dr Amanj Saeed, , political leaders, leading academics from the Kurdistan Region as well as friends and the families of the graduates.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Mullah Sirwan which was then followed by a minutes silence to honour, and in remembrance of, the pure souls of the martyrs of Kurdistan. The head of the High Graduation Ceremony Committee, Dr Yadgar Rasul Balaki, followed this with a speech of welcome.

In addition to welcoming the guests warmly and thanking and congratulating the families of the graduates, Dr Yadgar described this ceremony as a result of the hard work and endeavours of both lecturers and students. "I hope your hard work will bring you a bright future, and I also hope that each of you, according to your profession, will engage actively in building a prosperous future. I thank the lecturers and employees of our university for their efforts to get you to this stage.”

Later, the Representative of the Kurdistan President, Dr Hamid Darbandi, gave a speech. He expressed his pleasure at attending this ceremony and also congratulated the graduates and the staff of Soran University. Dr Hamid also expressed his astonishment about the capability of Soran University and its energetic role in opening new departments and new fields of studying such a short time. He said that Soran University had the full support of the Kurdistan Presidency.

Professor Michael Gunter, who is a much respected and well known academic, authoring many articles and books on Kurdistan and the Kurds, gave his keynote speech entitled "The Basis of Success and the Independence of Kurdistan". He expressed his enthusiasm for attending this ceremony, then talked about the independence of states in general and Kurdistan in particular. He said: "Forming a state is a process, not a definition. This process cannot be done in one or a couple of days. Currently, the Kurdistan region has its own President, Parliament, and Government. It also has Peshmerga forces, two international airports and has full authority to grant visas.”

Following Professor Gunter, a speech was delivered by Dr Yusuf Goran, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research,. In his speech, Dr Yusuf congratulated the graduates and their families, and also thanked the lecturers and the Presidency of Soran University. "I am pleased at attending this ceremony. I am sure that you will be a leading group and a constructive force for developing the Kurdistan labour market," he stated.

Dr Muslih Mustafa, President of Soran University, then delivered his speech. He congratulated the graduates and their families saying that "Serving you for the last four years has been an honour." He followed this by saying "Soran University has made exceptional progress in its endeavour in science and academia. It is now a leading university amongst Kurdistan universities, and is progressing further. It has become home for the leading lecturers and academic experts of this country so that our students are served in the best way possible.”He also said that Soran University students are educated by the best scientists and academics of this country.

The final speech of the ceremony was given by Farhad Mustafa in a specific message to the graduates, after which Dr Muslih Mustafa presented a gift to Professor Michael Gunter.

Finally, five lecturers from Soran University were presented with awards by Professor Michael Gunter. They had all successfully studied a variety of subjects and were awarded MA degrees from institutions in the UK.

This ceremony awarded Bachelor degrees to 460 graduates from 16 different departments. Soran University has nearly 3000 students in its four faculties: Arts, Science and Engineering, Education, and Law.

Co-reporters: Twana Taha & Yadgar Ismaeel

Translated to English by: Karwan Özkürt

Editor: Shna