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K About the RCQ RC QUARTERLY FALL WINTER 2012 ISSUE 43 here is nothing like the excitement of planning for a big celebration. Anticipation is building as Robert College gears up to celebrate the 150th year of its founding, throughout the 2013-14 academic year.
The school has commemorated many significant milestones until reaching its sesquicentennial. In this issue of the RCQ, we revisit some of the previous jubilees at the college. We also take a peek at some of the upcoming highlights of the special year ahead. Save the dates and Alumni Journal published periodically by the RC Alumni stay tuned for detailed information to be mailed, e-mailed, and posted & Development Office for 10.000 members of the RC on the website, and for updates to arrive through social media sites like the RC Facebook pages and Twitter account. The months ahead will community: graduates, students, faculty, administration, provide wonderful opportunities to reconnect at Robert College; providing parents and friends. exemplary education for a century and a half is cause to celebrate!
Özel Amerikan Robert Lisesi As always, we look forward to hearing your news. Please contact us at Kuruçeşme Caddesi 87 Arnavutköy, İstanbul [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: (0212) 359 22 22/289 e-mail: [email protected] We wish you a happy and healthy 2013! www.robcol.k12.tr The RC Quarterly Team
Editor-in-Chief Follow Us Leyla Aktay, RC 72
Editors Çiğdem Yaz›c›oğlu Mehveş Dramur, RC 96 RC NEWS Banu Savaş 4 RC in Numbers Lisa Johnson 6 Headmaster Anthony Jones Takes the Helm 7 Bank of America Merrill Lynch Editorial Board Helps Students Stay Connected Nuri Çolakoğlu, RC 62 Deniz Alphan, RC 67 7 Going the Extra Mile: Berker Fellows Make a Difference Nükhet Sirman, RC 72 8 Caps off to the Class of 2012! Sedat Ergin, RC 75 10 Recipe for Success Nur Demirseren, RC 75 at the Annual Giving 2012-13 Kick-off Dinner Elçin Yahşi, RC 79 12 The Spirit of Dance Comes to Campus Pelin Turgut, RC 92 Berkol RC 98 Dance Festival 2012 Ayşe Wieting RC 93 13 A Week of Literary Celebrations Pelin Seyhan, RC 03
Advertising Managers GIFTS Çiğdem Yaz›c›oğlu 14 Project “for Dave” [email protected] 15 Bülent Ezal RC 56 Remembering a Son through a Scholarship Fund Banu Savaş [email protected] CIP 16 On the Road to Zara Tel: (0212) 359 22 89 17 Supporting Migrant Workers in Amasya: Joint Project Between RC and Acıbadem Medical School Design & Production Topprint Esentepe Mah. Atom Sok. Kanyon Apt. 20/1 Şişli, İstanbul RC IN AMERICA (0212) 264 33 11 • www.topprint.com.tr 18 RCAAA Mentorship Program Into its Third Year Printing 20 Welcome to USA Awards APA UNIPRINT Bas›m San. ve Tic. A.Ş. 20 24th Annual RCAAA Young Alumni Dinner Had›mköy Mahallesi 434 Sokak No:6 34555 Arnavutköy, İstanbul Tel : (0212) 798 28 40 • www.apa.com.tr
Basım Yeri ve Tarihi İstanbul, Aralık 2012
Yayın Türü Süreli
Yayın Periyodu 4 Ayl›k GRADUATES IN THE NEWS 21 Semahat Arsel ACG 49 Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Nursing Photo design: Yona Eligoulachvili RC 72 1930s photo from the RC Archives 22 A Fighting Chance for Turkey’s Large Predators Wolves Send SMS’s, Promote Conservation 23 Memo Akten RC 92 Turning Athletic Performance into Art ESSAY 23 Orhan Pamuk RA 70 42 So, You Wanna Be a Rock ‘n Roll Star…? Creates Museum Based on Novel 24 Semahat Demir RC 84 RC REACHES OUT Appointed Rector of İstanbul Kültür University 44 Supporting Girls‘ Education through Mentoring 25 Aylin Küntay RC 84 45 A Venue for Young Voices Appointed to Prestigious Dutch Chair from Eastern and Western Turkey 25 Hülya Uçansu ACG 71 Tells the Story of IKSV 26 Cem Kozlu RA 65 REUNION Describes a New Approach with Europe 46 Homecoming 2012 26 Broken Rhapsody 48 Five Decades of “Together” 28 Journey on the Cashmere Road 50 A Special Time for All 28 Gündüz Dağdelen-Ast ACG 56 Releases First Album at the 50th Year Celebrations 29 Defne Dilber RC 93 Wins Red Dot Honorable Mention 51 Once in Forty Years 29 Hikmet Hükümenoğlu RC 86 Pens 04:00 52 Thirty Years Later RC 82 53 The Class of 92, COVER STORY 20 Years On “Ain’t No Pipe!” 30 Gearing Up for a Celebration 54 The ‘’Nerotik’’ Phenomenon An RC 85 Classic UNIRC 34 Young Faces of RCAA ALUMNI PROFILE 56 Aydan Baktır RC 77 RCAA From Painting to Helping Women Prosper 35 The Robert College Alumni Association (RKMD) 58 ALUMNI NEWS AROUND THE WORLD FACULTY & FRIENDS NEWS 36 The Neighbor that Once Was 65 Dave Phillips Retires 66 Charlotte Şamlı Life as a Country Bumpkin VENUES WE RUN 66 Tamay Erdoğan 38 Living and Learning a Whole New Way 67 Birol Özdemir Publishes His First Book 67 Münir Aysu Moves South MEMORIES 40 Changes in the Air 68 OBITUARIES
Your feedback on the RCQ matters! Did you enjoy this issue? Write to us at: [email protected] 4 RC NEWS
RC in Numbers Where Students Come From
uring the 2012-2013 academic year, 1032 students from 50 cities throughout Turkey are attending Robert College. This is an increase over the previous school year when we had 1018 students from 48 cities. The residences house 185 students – 100 boys and 85 girls. Twenty-four percent (244) of our students receive financial aid. NB_yesil 21x28 RC silmeC 10/22/12 2:23 PM Page 1
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Headmaster Anthony Jones Takes the Helm
of schools I would want to be a part of. I eventually applied to my studies. feel exceptionally lucky. Two of the most influential lessons I learned from my former coach Tom Bass What do you think makes RC unique? were that once the season starts, you Its sense of mission, its evolution as win with the team you have so all focus an institution and its fascinating and and energy shifts to the maximization of adventurous history are unique. every individual’s talents and the fullest expression of their personalities, and RC has an unwavering and that all the above must integrate into unapologetic desire to a seamless simple ethos, ethic and way reach its potential and have of doing things, collectively built and expressed by the team. students strive to find their potential within them. Its goal Who are your real-life heroes? to challenge students in the In one of my favorite classes we debated broadest manner of ways and the role of and need for heroes. Since we to guide and support them were about to do The Odyssey, I described Odysseus, probably my first and only while doing so is unparalleled. hero. My students’ responses surprised and delighted me: their heroes were real RC’s place in Turkish society and its role people who they knew well and whose in the country’s history, its meritocratic flaws and shortcomings they accepted admission policy, liberal funding of – family members, teachers, coaches scholarship students and thus its and neighbors. I reflected why I chose a residential aspect that allows students fictitious one, and I started appreciating from all over the country to come here the quiet heroes all around us - the and students in turn learn of their country retired man who volunteers at a grocery from each other, and our ambitious CIP store reading soup cans to blind people, program should also be noted. Each of nurses and aid workers whose small acts these ingredients alone is not unique, but Anthony Jones go virtually unnoticed, random acts of the RC recipe most definitely is. kindness to strangers. ew RC Headmaster Anthony Jones has worked and lived in six How has being a football player affected I was reminded of three remarkable countries, been an administrator your managerial approach? teachers – my real-life heroes who altered and teacher for nearly 30 years, Sports have definitely influenced my my life at critical stages in my primary, and even played professional standards for success and observations middle and secondary school years. football. The RCQ asked him to tell on how organizations become and are its readers more about himself. successful. As a boy I attended two of What are your favorite things the best rugby schools in England and a about RC? How did you hear about RC? high school in America with a champion Unequivocally the laughter of the Teachers in international education work football team. Without these experiences, students, their clear enjoyment of each with colleagues who have taught all I would never have glimpsed excellence other’s company and their spirit even across the world. I knew three who taught or what it meant or required, and I would in this somewhat intense academic at RC that I respected greatly and all said probably have never developed the environment, which is sustaining to the same thing: “Best place I ever taught.” determination and self-discipline that kept everyone at RC. I did my research and put it on a short list me going through bleak times and that I 7 RC NEWS
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Helps Students Stay Connected
generous grant received recently from Bank of America Merrill Lynch has given the school a much-needed technological boost.
Part of the grant was used to scanning,” explains Alp Akın L11. They purchase a portable video system also weren’t able to use all the computers that helps RC students communicate with at the same time. “Think about it: four other students around the world. “We computers are free but you are waiting for are using the technology to enhance our somebody to finish off his work. These new international projects by adding meaning The remainder of the grant was used to computers and the scanner save a lot of to our communications,” explains Cyrus upgrade the computer room in the boys’ time and are more user-friendly,” adds Alp. Carter, head of the International Initiatives residence, which had been relocated to program. “Some examples of how we’ve create more dorm space. The students Lise 9 and 10 students can easily access used the new video system include had been using an outdated network and the computers, printer and scanner a shared real-time lesson in French, computers that weren’t compatible with for the homework since the computer discussions around shared readings the school’s new operating system; the room is next to where they study. accessed beforehand and with essential grant provided new computers and a “Since homework is mostly done with a questions, as well as cultural sharings.” printer-scanner which have helped them computer, it’s a huge benefit,” says Alp. be more productive. Students have been able to connect to Residential students don’t only use the schools in the US and Europe. “Students “We had one scanner which was computers for school work, but also to are excited to take part,” adds Carter. connected to only one computer. If listen to music and watch films and TV “Because of better access to technology, somebody was using it, you had to either programs. So the computers have not only it is now easy to promote such discussion wait or request him to use another free helped them be more productive, Bank groups among a broader spectrum of the computer (if there was any). But now, of America Merrill Lynch’s grant has also student body.” we do not need even computers for helped improve the quality of life for them. Going the Extra Mile: Berker Fellows Make a Difference he Berker Fellows who were selected in May 2012 mark the fifth year of students to be honored with this role. The fellows are Cansu Sarıkaya L11, Ayşenur Biçen L11 and Ayça Ersoy L10.
Established in 2008, the Berker Fellowship recognizes students who demonstrate integrity and maturity, have a strong sense of social responsibility,
contribute to the community, have a Berker Fellows old and new, Berker Fellows with co-advisor Jenny Sertel positive spirit and are involved in school and former Headmaster John Chandler in May 2012 activities. Lise 9-11 students are chosen so best universities around the world and I school community. For the 2012-13 they can continue to be a leading example noticed how everyone was in top places school year, the Fellows have set up for other RC students. and still helping their community. It gave study sessions to help students who need me hope that the next generation was academic assistance. In the past the Student Council President Ali Can doing everything they could to change Fellows have looked into other activities Söylemezoğlu L12 became a fellow in 2010 something that wasn't going smoothly.” including solar panels, distilled drinking and it has greatly influenced him and water stations, and disabled accessibility his desire to help others. “Before being Every year a sum of money is drawn from for school facilities. a fellow, I was only helping my friends the fund, and members of the fellowship at exam time. As I began to be involved decide how the money will be used for Fellows also work closely with the in larger projects, my appetite to serve the school or community at large. In 2011, administration heads to give input on my community grew vastly,” he explains. the funds were used to install electronic various topics such as the homeroom “It probably fueled my desire to help sign boards in high traffic areas for school program, Prep-level English classes, CIP, others in the Student Council as well. I announcements, emergency information and the school dress code. met with past fellows who are now at the as well as to better communicate with the 8 RC NEWS
Caps off to the Class of 2012!
The Class of 2012 attended their final ceremony as RC students on June 25, overlooking the Bosphorus on Konak Terrace. This year’s speeches were given by author Ayşe Kulin ACG 61, retiring PE teacher Dave Phillips, and students Mehmet Can Burdu and Baturay Türkmen.
fter Headmaster John Chandler integrity. Be sure of yourself, but at the welcomed Istanbul Governor same time be modest and compassionate; Saadetin Yücel, İlçe MEB Müdürü and always embrace the world with love.” Necati Özçolak, trustees, faculty, Next Dave Phillips mentioned three areas students, friends and families of the that will help grads through hard times. graduating class, the retiring head He encouraged students to thank their of the school thanked everybody for the parents for all they have done for them, opportunity to share the past few years appreciate the school and their teachers with them. for the type of person they strive to develop in students, and to be responsible Ayşe Kulin took the podium next and and compassionate Turkish citizens. reflected how, although student life has changed since she graduated due to Mehmet Can Burdu followed, telling his changes in technology and social norms, classmates, “I certainly liked you five certain things didn’t change at all. “We years ago. But to be honest, now I like you didn’t memorize the content, we learned. even more. I like what we have done to We didn’t repeat what we learned, we each other, and I like what five years in PE teacher Dave Phillips Jr. presented. We had fun while we learned. this school together has done to us.” He There were some students who found it also talked about how groups dissolved Where is the Class of 2012 now? hard to learn, but even they showed poise.” and the class became one over the past Similar to previous years, 74 percent five years. of the class of 2012 will continue their She closed her speech advising, “You are university studies in Turkey and 26 the grandchildren of Ata (Atatürk) who A teary-eyed Baturay Türkmen finished percent will study abroad. had an extremely broad vision. In addition, off the speeches by talking about how you attended a school where east meets each member of the Class of 2012 helped Of the 180 members of the class of 2012, west, where two world perspectives and shape each other and how they shared so 134 students were accepted by Turkish two souls come together, as it says in our much together. universities and 57 were accepted by college song. Choose a balanced mix of universities abroad. Seventeen students both approaches; don’t neglect your heart All graduates headed off to university have been accepted to both foreign and when using your brain. Be conscientious this fall with most staying in Turkey and Turkish universities. and sensitive, value foresight and others studying overseas. 9 RC NEWS
Robert College 2012 Turkish University Results
Without Scholarship With Scholarship University Name Accepted Overseas Accepted Overseas TOTAL BOĞAZIÇI ÜNIVERSITESI 32 5 37 İSTANBUL TEKNIK ÜNIVERSITESI 12 12 MARMARA ÜNIVERSITESI 2 2 4 İSTANBUL ÜNIVERSITESI 2 1 3 GALATASARAY ÜNIVERSITESI 3 3 NAMIK KEMAL ÜNIVERSITESI 2 2 ODTÜ 1 1 2 DOKUZ EYLÜL ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 EGE ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 ATATÜRK ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 KIRKKALE ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 MIMAR SINAN GÜZEL SANATLAR ÜNIV. 1 1 HACETTEPE ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 Commencement speaker Ayşe Kulin ACG 61 TOTAL - GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITIES 59 10 69
Robert College 2012 Foreign University Results KOÇ ÜNIVERSITESI 7 1 35 3 46 YEDITEPE ÜNIVERSITESI 4 1 5 University Name Total SABANCI ÜNIVERSITESI 3 1 4 BEZM-I ALEM VAKIF ÜNIVERSITESI 4 4 Amherst College 1 İSTANBUL BILGI ÜNIVERSITESI 2 2 Boston University 1 ACIBADEM ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 Bucknell University 1 ÖZYEĞIN ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 Columbia University 2 İ.D. BILKENT ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 Cornell University 1 YAKIN DOĞU ÜNIVERSITESI 1 1 Emory University 1 Georgia Institute of Technology 2 TOTAL - PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES 16 2 42 5 65 Harvard University 2 King's College London 1 TOTAL 87 47 134 Lafayette College 1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1 Turkish University Acceptance Results McGill University 2 Graduates chose evenly between government and private universities. Fifty-one New York University 1 Newcastle University 1 percent chose to study at government universities, while 49 percent are continuing Princeton University 2 their education in Turkey at private universities. Sciences Po 1 Skidmore College 2 Stanford University 1 Twenty-eight students placed among the top 1000 in the 2012 YGS, and 99 placed in Texas Christian University 1 the top 1000 in the language section of the LYS exam. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1 Universita Bocconi 1 Universiteit Utrecht 2 Abdullah Hanefi Önaldı and Kaan Bulut Tekelioğlu, who are studying Computer University College London 2 University of California at Berkeley 1 Engineering at Boğaziçi University, earned extra points on the exams because of their University of Chicago 1 results in the TÜBİTAK Olympics. University of Edinburgh 1 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1 University of Oxford 2 The preferred programs of RC 12 are: Engineering (50), Business Administration (35), University of Pennsylvania 1 Medicine (22), Law (14), other programs including Physics, Psychology, Sociology, University of Richmond 1 Molecular Biology and Genetics, Dentistry, Architecture and Communications (13). University of Southern California 1 University of St. Andrews (Scotland) 1 University of Wisconsin, Madison 1 Foreign University Acceptance Results Washington University in St. Louis 1 Wellesley College 1 All 66 students who applied abroad were accepted by various schools and 46 have Yale University 3 registered at universities in North America and Europe. Of the 20 graduates who are studying on scholarship, 12 of them were scholarship students while at RC. TOTAL 47
Student speaker Baturay Türkmen John Chandler and the Class of 2012 Student speaker Mehmet Can Burdu 10 RC NEWS
Recipe for Success at the Annual Giving Kick-off Dinner was hot off the press and on exhibit at Bizim Tepe for guests to browse through and add to their collection. The Kınoğlu family has pledged all proceeds of this book to the RC Scholarship Fund.
The dinner ended with the traditional awards ceremony during which class agents are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the campaign. The Class of 91 continued its winning streak by placing first in level of participation. The Class of 85 improved its record by jumping from third place in level of giving to first place. As for the Class of 86, they made a major effort and it paid off. Their performance made them one of the outstanding classes, placing them in the top 10 in both level of participation and level of giving for the first time ever.
Receiving their award for sixth place in level of participation and second place in level of giving from guest speaker Dr. Gülay Barbarosoğlu (far left) and Headmaster Anthony Jones (far right) were, Meltem Kayhan, Özlem Özbek and Tan Taşçıoğlu from the Class of 86 (in center from left to right). he 2012-13 Annual Giving Campaign was most prestigious institutions of learning given a kick-off on October 14, 2012. Class in Turkey, the responsibilities of giving agents, trustees, RC administrators, high the best education to the best students, honor and scholarship donors enjoyed the the leadership qualities RC students are festive air as the 2011-12 campaign year’s engrained with and carry over to their success was celebrated and the new year university and how they continue to make was launched. a difference at BU. Her final points on the importance of scholarships to cultivate Warm late summer weather allowed the all talented youth for the benefit of this group to enjoy cocktails around the pool. country hit the mark when she added It was difficult to persuade guests to that she herself had been a scholarship leave this lovely setting and sit inside for student at RC. dinner but they were soon rewarded with a stimulating speech from guest speaker These final words were also fitting since Dr. Gülay Barbaraosoğlu RC 74, recently a very special touch to the evening appointed Rector of Boğaziçi University. was the sale of a cookbook written by She elaborated on the responsibilities we Melahat Kınoğlu ACG 44 to benefit the A very special touch to the evening was the sale of face with a younger generation in this RC Scholarship Fund. Kınoğlu has been a cookbook written by Melahat Kınoğlu ACG 44 to benefit the RC Scholarship Fund. She is seen here age of technology. As one student out of a fervent supporter of the scholarship with her daughter Mehveş Pisak, who was a major fifty at BU are RC graduates, she drew program and her book, Bir Ömür, Bin driving force in the preparation of this book, and upon the parallels between BU and RC, Tutam Lezzet a labor of love filled with her husband Cezmi Kınoğlu. The Kınoğlu family has pledged all proceeds of the book to a scholarship traditions of the past 150 years, being the delicious recipes from family and friends, for a female student. 11 RC NEWS
Clockwise from the front, center: Trustee Şefika Pekin Barlas, Engin Ölçer RC 75, Haluk Kilimci RC 50, Trustee Emerita Oya Başak ACG 55, Rukiye Ergüder ACG 70, Trustee, Chairman of the Annual Giving Committee and class agent Nedim Ölçer RC 76, Nilgün Yücaoğlu RC YÜK 73, Trustee Emeritus Üstün Ergüder RC 57, guest speaker and Rector of Boğaziçi University Dr. Gülay Barbarosoğlu RC 74, RC Headmaster Anthony Jones, Esin Pere and Trustee Emeritus Erkut Yücaoğlu RC ENG 69.
A table full of winners! From L to R: Aysan Sinanlıoğlu RC 90 (seventh in From L to R: Class agent Ayla Gümüşlügil ACG 55, Mihrican Havens ACG 55, level of giving), Sotirios Sarmpezoudis, class agent Zümrüt Yalman RC 89, Gülsen Göcek ACG 55, Turgut Şeyhun, class agent Gürsan Şeyhun ACG 62, class agent Ahmet Alp RC 91 (first in level of participation and fifth in level of Trustee Nuri Çolakoğlu RA 62, Development Office director Leyla Aktay RC 72 giving), Neslihan Sadıkoğlu, Melis Şeyhun RC 91, RC 88 class agents Gülruh and Trustee Sedat Ergin RC 75. Turhan and Deniz Yıldız (tenth in level of participation and third in level of giving) and, Doğan and Zeynep Taşkent RC 88.
From L to R: ACG 59 class agents Sevim Berker RC 92 class agents Bora Samman and Onur Özgen RC 85 placed first in level of giving. Receiving the and İffet Azak with friends Nil Bezmen Büyükgürel receive an award for placing eighth in level of award from Dr. Barbarosoğlu and Headmaster ACG 59 and Prof. Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı ACG 59 giving. Jones were class agent Ali Yılmaz, and Oya İnal during the poolside cocktail hour. Gölhan for absent class agents Bilge Rızvani and Ayşegül Şengör. 12 RC NEWS
The Spirit of Dance Comes to Campus Berkol RC 98 Dance Festival 2012 joy of the dance festival that we hold to commemorate him. Many thanks go to Seda for this moving effort. After this meaningful dance, high school dancers staged their year-long efforts. All the dances were well thought out and executed. We congratulate the students and their teachers.
During the professional performances, Erdal Atik and Nora Şigaher were amazing. A tango by RC’s much loved dance teacher Mercan Gümüş and her partner Emrah Gümüş was also splendid. We are grateful to all the professional dancers for their support.
Thanks are also due to Galip Tekin and Birol Caymaz who created striking festival posters for the past two years. We hope to see them with us in following years too. We try to organize this joyous festival every year not just to cherish the memories of Berkol but also to give
In between dance workshops students gathered in the Forum unforgettable memories to all who participate. Everyone who loves dance is he fourth Berkol RC 98 Dance Festival, This year instead of a second session invited to join us next year. named after Berkol Doğan who died in of workshops, we held a daytime dance the Isparta plane crash in 2007, was party. The idea arose because many high Contributed by N. Bülay Doğan celebrated on April 29. Students from school students are unable to attend Adapazarı Özel Enka Anadolu Lisesi, Özel dance parties or milongas held mostly Enka Lisesi, Cağaloğlu Anadolu Lisesi, in bars at night. We wanted to give All expenses for this event were covered Galatasaray Lisesi and of course, Robert students a taste of these parties that are by Berkol’s family through a fund College danced all day not just on-stage so important for the dance community. created specifically for this purpose. but also in workshops and at the daytime It also helped them to overcome stage Some of the funds are used for the dance party which took place at the Forum. fright because the party was right before Latin Dance Training club of current the dance shows. RC students. If you wish to help you Well-known tango dancers Erdal Atik and can call the RC Alumni & Development Nora Şigaher came as volunteers to teach Festival fans say this year’s performances Office at +90 (212) 359 2289. All their style and performed a fascinating tango were the most impressive thus far. The donations are appreciated and will show. Seda Alpay gave a workshop with show began with Seda Alpay’s students ensure the continuity of the Berkol RC Mercan Gümüş on chacarera, an Argentinean dancing a choreography prepared 98 Latin Dance Festival as an annual RC folk dance, which was highly popular among specially for the festival. Blending modern tradition. The festival organizers also students. At the dance party later, many dance and chacarera, young dancers solicit creative people to help with the students and teachers managed to dance beautifully conveyed the sensation of preparation of t-shirts, posters, plaques chacarera steps they learned that day. the loss of our beloved Berkol and the or web design. 13 RC NEWS
A Week of Literary Celebrations Road Not Taken’,” explains head librarian Karen Lindsay. “It happened to be the teacher’s favorite poem and they stood in Woods reciting it at the top of their voices together. I had actually ‘poemed’ the student with it earlier in the day, so he was paying it forward.”
At the end of the week, students and teachers dressed up as their favorite literary characters from a multitude of books including Harry Potter, The Outsiders, Sherlock Holmes, The Great Gatsby, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Dracula, and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
“Perhaps best of all was the conversations,” Karen noted. “All through the buildings, all week long, students and teachers were talking about Students dressed up as their favorite literary characters books – what they were read- ing, what they had read, what n honor of International School Library lunchtime in the library students and they wanted to read. I hope Month, new head librarian Karen faculty read excerpts from their favorite that it encourages a few more Lindsay, English Department head books, did “book reports” where they students to put aside some Maura Kelly and Science Department tried to sell the audience on a book, and head Alison Oğuz coordinated a week read original works. time each day to get lost - or of activities that got everybody excited get found - in a good book.” about reading. On Wednesday there were “Random Acts of Poetry” throughout campus, with As a lasting legacy of the week, budget In Marble Hall throughout the week a tree poems posted on walls and doors, and permitting, the library will ensure they with people’s favorite books written on distributed to people at random. “One of have a copy of each book that was noted the back of old library catalogue cards my favorite stories from the week was on the reading tree. was displayed and used books were when a student ‘poemed’ a teacher by on sale with proceeds going to CIP. At passing her a copy of Robert Frost’s ‘The
Teacher Alison Oğuz and Librarian Karen Lindsay in Old library books for sale RC student reading from her original work front of the Reading Tree 14 GIFTS
Project “for Dave”
C alumni from the past 33 years raised $150,000 in honor of their retiring teacher Dave Phillips, Jr.
It all began when Mehmet Pekarun RC 87 heard the retirement news about his beloved basketball coach. He contacted the school about doing something for him as a present from his old students. As the ideas came in from the ex-basketball team players, the goal was decided: to renovate and name the upper field in Mr. Phillips' name.
Yonca Ulusoy Zaimoğlu RC 93 and Cüneyt Yavuz RC 86 took the lead for the fundraising Project “for Dave” team members preparing for the suprise efforts along with Mehmet Pekarun and the project "for Dave" began in October 2011. It reach their goal, his colleagues and RC the RC graduates who made the project a didn't take long for the alumni to respond, as students, as well as Dave Phillips himself. success each received a medal. Dave was they wanted to be a part of the project and The day ended in a happy cry-fest. presented with a special basketball jersey make "the legend" proud. with all the names of the contributors to The next part of the project was the the project on it and a big trophy that read The main challenge was to keep it secret Farewell Party for Dave, held on Saturday, "Most Valuable Coach Dave Phillips". from Phillips, for his players wanted to June 16. Many of his faculty and staff surprise him on the RC Olympics Day, May friends, former students and close friends The final surprise was a belly dancer to 18, the day he calls "the Dave Ball". When came together to celebrate and have fun. make this a typical Turkish farewell. This it was finally time to announce the present, One of the surprises of this evening was a put an even bigger smile on Phillips’ face, his former students from various years video, prepared by Emine Noyan RC 93 and as he loves to dance so much. came running on stage wearing t-shirts Tamer Üner RC 91. The video started with specially made for this day. Phillips was photos from the days of his arrival to RC, The other "Project for Dave" team utterly surprised and speechless. He was and continued with a group of his ex-team members were Kaan Kural RC 92, Ebru presented with a huge mock-up check for players all thanking him and reminiscing Nuhoğlu RC 92, Nevra Eker RC 94, Moris $150,000 signed by him to be presented about the old times through photos and Abravaya RC 94, Ersan Öztürk RC 94, to Robert College, and the news that the videos. Everybody, especially Phillips Pınar Arı RC 96, Mehveş Dramur RC 96, upper field would be named in his honor. himself, had a blast. Some highlights Nilhan Ulusoy RC 96, and Zeynep Özoğul It was an extremely sentimental moment of the evening were when letters from RC 2000. for his former students who were able to Dave's family were read aloud and when
Despite so many participants to the project, it was a closely Farewell Dave Phillips! guarded secret from Dave. 15 GIFTS
Bülent Ezal RC 56 Remembering a Son through a Scholarship Fund
he past is never dead, it is not even past,” Bülent Ezal RC 56 quotes William Faulkner and then adds, “RC and my son are always with me. Scratching the surface brings me to my conscientious belief in education and my love of Turkey. Consequently, the higher the education level and availability is, the brighter the future of Turkey will be.”
This is how Bülent Ezal RC 56 explains why he established the Nejat B. Ezal Endowed Scholarship Fund at Robert College in memory of his son Nejat who was a first-year PhD student in Marine Biology at the University of California Santa Barbara when he died in a diving accident on April 23, 1994.
Bülent continues to add to the Nejat B. Ezal Endowment every year and his genuine interest and love for his school is evident when he visits Istanbul and the RC campus every summer. He has many From L to R: Bülent Ezal 56, Kenan Ezal (Nejat's older brother), Jazlyn, daughter-in-law Carin and Tarkan special memories of his years at RC where he was a boarding student on “the Hill” helped me to stand on my own feet in Bülent Ezal is also a member of the for 11 years. “I left for the USA at age 21. various social environments in life. I was Elizabeth Dodge Huntington Clark Society, So I practically lived on the Hill as long fortunate to live and work in four different established to recognize those who as I lived with my family at Nişantaşı. In countries with very different cultures. have made a commitment of financial fact, my RC friends became my family as I felt quite comfortable socially and support to Robert College in their wills or well - so much so that at our son Kenan’s professionally in all of them. Additionally, estate planning. The Society honors the wedding in the USA, his Turkish side like most of us, my life had its very lows memory of a woman who was devoted to was proudly represented by 17 RC/ACG and highs. the school and made its largest bequest graduates and their spouses.” received to date, a sum of over $2 million. When I ask myself why and He adds that, though he has degrees from how I was able to get along Ezal’s philosophy behind his generous the University of Michigan and UCLA, and I was able to pull myself donations to his alma mater has been, his values, ethics and standards were “Robert College, as it has done for 150 acquired on the Hill thanks to the RC up by my bootstraps, the years, will continue to educate the young curriculum and his dedicated teachers. answer was always in those minds of Turkey in its exceptional way as “…during those wonderful years at RC 11 years spent at RC; namely, long as we support this institution of ours I was introduced to and taught, at very exceptional education along according to our ways and means.” high standards, music, literature, theater, with exceptional friends all on sports, public speaking, writing, arts and, the same Hill.” believe it or not, chess - all of which 16 CIP
On the Road to Zara Headmaster Anthony Jones accompanied RC students to the Community Involvement Project (CIP) in Sivas in July 2012.
By Anthony Jones, RC Headmaster he road to Zara offers little variety, walked several kilometers to and from mostly endless waves of dusty brown hills adjacent villages. Our morning warm- and barren fields rolling eastward. The up combination of charades, stretching hills narrow and there Zara sits tightly and singing seemed a particular laugh- squeezed like a cork in a bottle with hills inducing moment for them. They wanted to either side and mountains grey, brown to use their English but often all they and black looming ahead. I estimated could muster was “hello” which came a couple of thousand inhabitants; the out in all kinds of ways and always with mayor later corrected me, “Actually two a smile. The condition of the school was hundred thousand. But 99% of them live humble and yet the walls overflowed with in Istanbul.” The day before I was in New students’ projects, their math problems York City; literally and metaphorically I and history reports, teachers celebrating was coming from the West. I came for the successes of their students; even the the opportunity to observe our students art room was painted by the students and in a CIP program but also because of beautifully. No doubt the principal and the irresistibly kind invitation and the teachers were doing their best and our hauntingly enigmatic allure of someone’s being there was a part of that. remark that if I went I would “experience the ‘real Turkey’.” By the end of the week I could not help feeling that On first glimpse, Zara offered little our students had probably to match her pretty name: dust, heat, tractors, and the next glimpse caught learned far more from those the palpable sense that the town was children than those children managing to make the best of its could possibly have gained situation: the bins at the store overflowed from us. with dried apricots and brightly colored spices and the watermelons were proudly RC students visit Divriği Great Mosque and Sanitarium The last day it became manifest in stacked shoulder-high, an elderly white- tearful farewells, the photos we took of Their main focus was on the middle whiskered man alone at the street corner the Zara children and the promises we school children of Zara whom they taught saluted acquaintances, two elderly ladies made to return. As the plane ascended subjects they thought would enrich their clung stoically to a mountainous stack of from that brown plain I wondered if I hay pulled by a tractor speeding through lives – music, theatre, sports, and art. finally understand Alexandre Dumas’s town driven by baked-brown bean-thin quotation that “there is neither happiness boys who in turn waved and smiled The eight- to fourteen-year-old boys nor misery in the world; there is only the vociferously at us. Even the stray dogs and girls often came in their best dress, comparison of one state with another”, had optimistic eyes and often the smell of ribbons in their hair, bright shoes, and a and still not sure, reassured myself that baked bread beat back the acrid scent of new sweat-shirt despite the heat. It was a hidden in a remote corner to the east, dust. I watched the students hoping they wonder so many children appeared each is a town of kindness, hospitality and would see and appreciate these clues. Day day: Ramadan left them exhausted, many humanity, a very special town called Zara. by day they looked. went home to work in the fields, and some
Exhausted but happy RC students sleeping Anthony Jones (back, right) with RC students in Zara A lovingly decorated classroom at the airport on the way home at Zara Elementary School 17 CIP
Supporting Migrant Workers in Amasya: Joint project between RC and Acıbadem Medical School
RC students with children of migrant workers A boy proudly shows his work
ral Sürmeli RC 10, together with Güler workers who came from Urfa, Adana “The world of the migrant workers was a Karabatur, Community Involvement and Antep to harvest onions at a farm in very different world than mine. My mother Project (CIP) Coordinator, organized Amasya. The kids were barefoot. Their has always taken me to see different a joint service project between hands, feet and faces bore traces of countries but this was like a different Acıbadem Medical and Nursing wounds and bruises. But these kids still country in my own country. I saw a very School and RC. Aral, a medical smiled; smiled at life and smiled at us. different lifestyle.” student at Acıbadem, in Ibrahim They lived in makeshift tents in the middle Irmak Pakiş, L9 Betil’s words, “caught the service virus” of the field. Living conditions for their while participating in many CIPs at RC. most natural needs - sleeping, bathing, “In these few days, I felt happiness, The project brought RC and Acıbadem going to the lavatory - were primitive sadness, desperation and hope all at the Medical and Nursing School students indeed. Their lives consist of migrating same time! I don’t want to sound like I together with the migrant workers in the from city to city, farm to farm, working in found the meaning of life because I didn’t, fields of Amasya for one week. the fields with their families. Thus, they but I believe that these five days changed have no way of going to school; no way my life.’’ Medical students gave free of using their right to education which is Melis Gökdemir, L9 health check-ups to the probably the only way out of this life. migrant workers and their “The Amasya experience reaffirmed my Robert College students offered decision to go into medicine” families, while RC students workshops focused on creative activities Bilge Su Çelikten, L9 did educational and creative such as drama, painting, batik, activities with the children. face painting, book reading and music.
The Amasya CIP team thanks Ayten Çöl, Our students displayed patience and the owner of Amasya Kılçak Çöl Farm, for dedication as they talked with the kids and supporting the project. listened to their problems. They acted like mentors and gave hope to the children. One of the advisors of the project, They didn’t complain about the heat or the RC Philosophy teacher Serap Yılmaz invasion of mosquitoes every evening. They Karaman gave her account. “From returned home feeling a little melancholic July 28-August 5, I accompanied nine but proud at the same time. Our students’ RC students to Amasya. We offered perspective on life and humanity will never a program to the children of migrant be the same after this experience.”
Migrant families received free medical check-ups Singing and dancing next to onion fields The week was full of smiling faces (background) while children did different activities 18 RC IN AMERICA
RCAAA Mentorship Program Into its Third Year Mentorship runs in parallel with RCAAA’s career planning program for RC alumni who are fresh college graduates in the US. Career panels are organized with experienced RC alumni from various fields such as finance, medical research, marketing or engineering, who briefly talk about their careers. Question and answer sessions provide young alumni with further networking opportunities during these events.
“All the mentors are very impressed with the knowledge and maturity of the new graduates. We envision that the mentorship program will inspire a new generation of RC graduates to become members of a strong RC alumni family, giving back to their alma mater.” says RCAAA Mentor Program Supervisor Alpdoğan Kantarcı RC 86. He adds “Elif Şıkoğlu and İrem Metin RC 02 have been the foundation of the success of the From L to R: Erkut Eronat RC 86, Alpdoğan Kantarcı RC 86 and their mentee Tolga Zeybek RC 10 mentorship program, and we are grateful he RCAAA mentorship program has been Young RC graduates to RCAAA President Kemal Karakaya RC 95 for his continuous support and leadership.” running for three years and it continues to studying in the US have gain momentum each year. The program was originally established to give new RC benefited from the program “Needless to say, RC college counseling alumni doing undergraduate degrees in and adjust more smoothly and the former Headmaster John Chandler the US a “just like home” feeling through as a result of mentor- have been great resources to us,” add discussions on everything from career mentee relationships. Alpdoğan and Elif. “In fact, without the planning to adapting to life in the US. Since efforts and support of Mr. Chandler, we couldn’t have achieved our goals with the then, it has evolved and grown to achieve Some found internships and experienced program. We also want to thank the RC so much more, contributing RCAAA’s professional life outside of college through community for all their efforts.” efforts to create bonding and a stronger this network. Such experiences help them network among the RC alumni in the US. to broaden their understanding of the kind of career that they plan to pursue. Tolga RCAAA is always looking for new Started in 2009, the mentorship program Zeybek RC 10, a junior at Tufts University mentors and are in the process has matched 20 students coming to the says, “I found the mentorship program of expanding the coverage of the US for undergraduate education with very helpful in terms of adjusting to life in program to the entire US. To get mentors. Through networking events, the Boston and the US. It is a great experience involved, contact Elif Şıkoğlu RC 97 programs went beyond what RCAAA had to meet the alumni who have been living at [email protected] or envisioned. “In the beginning, we thought here. The program linked me with RC Alpdoğan Kantarcı RC 86 at about having a one-year mentorship. [email protected] Now, we are proud to see that each alumni in the New England area, with mentee-mentor relationship turned into a whom I go on bicycle rides and talk about lasting bond,” explains RCAAA Board Vice anything and everything.” President Elif Şıkoğlu RC 97. HTC WindowsPhone Dergi 210x280.pdf 1 16.11.2012 11:11
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Welcome to USA Awards
ne of the major programs RCAAA Board Members. Recipients are RCAAA runs is the Welcome announced at graduation. to USA Awards, which have been given since 1993. Every The RCAAA award committee received year RCAAA supports three impressive applications for the 2012 recent RC graduates who are awards and after long discussions, chose accepted to college in the United Nur Yazır (Amherst), Ege Yumuşak States with a “happy landing” check. (Harvard) and Feyza Haskaraman (MIT) Any RC senior who is planning to attend as this year’s recipients. In 2011, Gökçe college in the US and who demonstrates Gökmenoğlu (Trinity), Gizem Sakallı the need for support can apply for this (Cornell), and Selen Uman (Yale), received award. The candidates describe their this award. backgrounds, future career aspirations and needs through written statements, Gizem is currently enrolled in a double which are combined with their transcripts major program combining Economics and recommendations from the and International Relations at Cornell college counselors, and evaluated by University. She believes that studying in the US with scholars from around the world is an invaluable experience. Gizem learned about the Welcome to USA Awards from the college counselors’ e-mail. It was very exciting for her to get a letter from RCAAA upon her arrival at Cornell University. She is hoping to get Selen Uman RC 11 involved in RCAAA in the coming years. her. Selen said that she is well adapted to Selen remembers reading about the Yale University, her classes and her new possibility of studying in the US through circles of friends. She is planning to pursue RC Quarterly during her prep year and an academic career in biomedical sciences through alumni. Welcome to USA awards while continuing the community service Gizem Sakallı RC 11 presented a motivation and support for projects that she got involved with at RC. 24th Annual RCAAA Young Alumni Dinner
CAAA held the 24th Annual Young The event began with a cocktail hour On behalf of the RCAAA board, Eylül Alumni Dinner on November where guests arrived and mingled with Kayın and Ayşegül Duru kicked off 10, 2012 at Turkish Kitchen, their classmates and met other alumni the third year of the Young Alumni bringing together RC graduates who live and work in and around New Mentorship Program. The program from the past 15 years. The York. Guests took their seats in the focuses on pairing successful RC alumni guest of honor was private dining room and RCAAA President of various fields with RC graduates Robert College’s Kemal Karakaya, opened the evening who have recently completed or are new Headmaster with a speech. He noted the importance in the process of completing their Mr. Anthony Jones who was on a of this annual gathering in bringing the undergraduate studies. This year's panel tour of the US cities that have strong alumni together to connect with our alma comprised of six representatives from RC alumni presence. mater and elaborated on RCAAA’s efforts different age groups and career paths. and activities in supporting it. Mr. Jones On this chilly New York evening, the RC followed him with an inspiring update spirit warmed up the dining room as about the changes in our school and his everyone chatted, enjoying the familiar observations on what it truly means to be dishes served by Turkish Kitchen. an RC alumnus. 21 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Semahat Arsel ACG 49 Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Nursing
eceiving such a distinguished honor has greatly added to the pride and joy I derive from contributing to a cause I believe in with all my heart.” These were Semahat Arsel’s gracious words, as she accepted the Honorary Doctorate conferred upon her by Istanbul University in May 2012 for her outstanding and continuous contributions to the field of nursing in Turkey.
Arsel’s legacy of supporting nursing education and the profession of nursing for nearly forty years has been transformative. Arsel first became interested in the nursing profession shortly after graduating from ACG, when she became seriously ill. “I was preparing for the university entrance exams, at the From L to R: Dean of İstanbul University’s Florence Nightingale School of Nursing Prof. Dr. Nezihe Kızılkaya same time as studying for my driver’s Beji, Semahat Arsel ACG 49 and Deputy Rector of İstanbul University Prof. Dr. Kamil Adalet license. I was young and wanted to travel and enjoy life,” she recalls. “However, of the ministry of health and nursing Center (SANERC) to support the further one night I awoke with a terrible pain and associations, as well as heads of nursing development of the nursing profession. could not breathe. Research showed that I schools. “In 1974 the nursing schools in The institution is Turkey’s only post- had problems with my liver.” Turkey had many shortcomings. There graduate further education and research were no text books or learning materials. center for nursing. Medical treatment in the UK, with Lessons were given with hand-outs. subsequent operations abroad and in The teachers were not from the nursing The honorary doctorate was presented Turkey followed. Arsel’s experience as an profession.” The first task the newly to Arsel by İstanbul University’s Assistant intensive care patient for stretches at a formed nursing committee achieved was Chancellor Dr. Kamil Adalet. Arsel’s time enabled her to observe the nursing obtaining two course books from the acceptance speech stressed that profession from a different perspective. US which were translated into Turkish. the work continues. “This is a profession requiring self- Sixteen text books were subsequently sacrifice and devotion, where mistakes created and distributed to schools. "There are many significant are not acceptable,” she explains. “I came Scholarship funds and symposiums about challenges that need to to understand what a difference skillful the nursing profession paved the way to be overcome. We need to nurses with good education can make.” much needed change in the field. correctly define the standards After her mother passed away following A partnership started with Admiral Bristol of nursing and adopt a long illness, Semahat Arsel decided to and Houston Methodist Hospitals in 1979, international standards.” make nursing her prime philanthropic resulting in the first intensive care nursing focus. To support the effort, Arsel’s course in Turkey. Consequently, nurses Semahat Arsel was given a standing ovation father and leading industrialist Vehbi became an official part of the intensive by all present, for persistently raising the Koç established a fund for nursing in care team. standards and being a major driving force 1974 within the Vehbi Koc Foundation. behind the significant strides the nursing Semahat Arsel formed and headed a In 1992 Arsel established the Semahat profession has made over the years. committee that included representatives Arsel Nursing Education and Research 22 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
A Fighting Chance for Turkey’s Large Predators Wolves Send SMS’s, Promote Conservation urkey has one of the richest levels of conservation in the region. Soil analyses biodiversity in the world, yet it ranks 121st have been taken and reforestation will out of 132 countries in biodiversity and begin next spring. habitat conservation. This is why a wildlife corridor in northeastern Turkey that was “We started suggesting a Black Sea announced in June is making headlines. corridor from Georgia to Istanbul,” says Çağan. “Most of the Black Sea is forested KuzeyDoğa, an environmental so this is feasible. We need corridors all organization founded and directed across the country. Nature conservation by Çağan Şekercioğlu RC 93, recently in Turkey is dismal and we need to do a covered in RCQ issue 39, used results lot more.” Wolf caught on a KuzeyDoğa camera trap from their long-term wildlife research on large predators such as brown bears, Lack of sufficient habitat, As he learns more about the habitat of wolves, wild cats and lynx to convince these large predators, Çağan becomes the government to create the country’s hunting, and poaching of increasingly concerned about their future. first such corridor. Wolves were fitted their natural prey leads “Sarıkamış Forest is 400 km2 but 340 with GPS/GSM collars provided by the wolves and brown bears to km2 of this is being officially and actively Ministry of Environment and Forestry that feed in garbage dumps and logged. Its trees are being cut as timber, sent text messages to KuzeyDoğa staff on livestock, which increases legally. This is unacceptable and all of with their GPS coordinates. KuzeyDoğa the human-carnivore conflict Sarıkamış Forest should become a part of was able to track their movements and the existing national park.” show that in only two months, the area in the region. that wolves use is 13 times larger than Çağan also warns about the unprotected their protected area in the Sarıkamış- Larger in area than the 22,900 hectare Aras River wetlands. “We recorded 51% Allahuekbar National Park. national park it connects, this corridor of Turkey's bird species (240 species) in will provide additional habitat for large only 7 years but it will be destroyed by the “We have repeated this project with carnivores, connect their isolated Tuzluca irrigation dam project.” brown bears, and six have National populations, and hopefully also reduce Geographic Crittercams, a first for the local human-carnivore conflict. The How you can help Turkey, so we also see the world through corridor covers over 23,500 hectares Çağan encourages RC students, the bears' eyes,” says Çağan. “They and extends 82 km, from the Sarıkamış- alumni, and faculty to write to the surprised us by covering large areas; one Allahuekbar National Park through Kars, President, Prime Minister and Minister bear went from Kars to Ardahan to Artvin Erzurum, Artvin and Ardahan up to the of Forestry and Water Affairs, Veysel in only two days, exactly covering the Georgia border where it connects with Eroğlu to ask that the Sarıkamış Forest corridor route. This shows that we chose Georgia’s Borjomi-Kharagauli National be protected and the dam projects the right route and wildlife will use it.” Park, helping to promote trans-boundary in the area stop. “If you can only choose one cause,” says Çağan, “this is it! Please write letters, preferably handwritten because in the age of the internet, a handwritten letter carries more weight.”
For more information, visit www.kuzeydoga.org
National Geographic's Greg Marshall and Çağan Şekercioğlu RC 93 (center) attach a crittercam to a brown Brown bear wearing a Crittercam bear with the help of the KuzeyDoğa team 23 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Memo Akten RC 92 Turning Athletic Performance into Art
housands of athletes were on the move I've worked with dancers on a number in London this summer. But a select few of projects, but how the body looks and had their performances turned into art for moves is the primary focus in dance,” visual artist Memo Akten’s installations explains Memo. at the London Cultural Olympiad. Shown at an exhibition called In the Blink of “With sports the primary an Eye at the National Media Museum, focus is about winning. With Memo collaborated with fellow visual artist Quayola to create “Forms”, a visual this project we wanted to interpretation of athlete’s movements. investigate what athletes’ bodies looked or moved like, “For a number of years, my work has while pushing their bodies also at the heart of all of my work today. revolved around researching new ways to be the fastest, or jump Ultimately I'm trying to share my passion of creating, manipulating, and performing the highest.” for the observation and understanding of moving images and sound. nature, in the hope that it will encourage Using archival footage of athletes from and inspire others to pick up where I the National Media Museum, Memo and left off, create new work, which in turn Quayola had the clips developed into inspires others, but of course inspires me animated models. They then looked at again, in a beautiful feedback loop.” the dynamics and what sort of trails the movements would leave to create three- Memo Akten also does commercial dimensional volumetric sculptures. pieces including music videos, iPhone/iPad applications and musical When asked about his favorite subjects performance visuals. at RC, he says “Without a doubt science, physics, chemistry and math; topics which For more information about “Forms” are about digging deeper to understand and other works by Memo Akten, you can visit his website www.memo.tv Memo Akten RC 92 the nature of the world around us. This is Orhan Pamuk RA 70 Creates Museum Based on Novel hile many novels prominently The museum showcases mainly everyday feature museums, Orhan Pamuk items that reflect life in Istanbul during has opened possibly the first ever the period in which the novel takes museum based on a novel. The place - the mid-70s to mid-80s - a time Museum of Innocence, nestled in in Istanbul’s history when the city’s elite Istanbul’s former working-class were striving to embrace Western values. neighborhood of Çukurcuma, “On a modest scale,” says Pamuk, “this is opened in April and displays objects Istanbul’s first city museum.” featured in the eponymous novel. The museum was conceived at the same The museum houses 83 displays, one for time as the novel. Pamuk started to each of the 83 chapters of the book. In collect objects before beginning the novel, the novel, the objects are collected by the and continued to look for items while fictitious main character, Kemal Basmacı, writing. Some objects were collected the son of a wealthy industrialist. He has a after he had written about them, while brief affair with a shop girl, Füsun Keskin, others inspired him to include them in the which triggers a life-long obsession for storyline. In total, the project cost him her. As his infatuation causes his life to about as much as he won with the Nobel unravel, he begins removing things from Prize - $1.5 million. Pamuk conceptualized the Keskin household that belong to each display, which helps explain why the Füsun and her family, and collects other museum opened four years after the book memorabilia that remind him of the times was published. He says that he spent as they spent together, such as Füsun’s much time putting it together off and on hairbrush, Füsun’s mother’s quince grater over the past dozen years as he would to and cinema posters. Orhan Pamuk RA 70 in front of the museum write half a book. 24 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Semahat Demir RC 84 Appointed Rector of İstanbul Kültür University
oming from a family of You have been in the US for a long time, academicians, Demir has been how and why did you decide to come back? familiar with lives dedicated to My work experience has provided me education since she was a with comprehensive technical expertise, child. Demir’s sister Sıddıka as well as different industry, academic Demir Velipaşaoğlu RC 89 was and government perspectives. I felt the first foreign president of SWE ready to take on new challenges with my (Society of Women Engineers) in the US unique set of technical, professional and (Semahat Demir is also on the board), and leadership skills. brother Asım Demir RC 82 is a successful private sector manager who worked I received Chancellor offers from two overseas for many years. Turkish universities, and accepted the one from İKÜ where I was an advisor to Semahat Demir has an astonishing the President and the Chair of Board of academic background. After graduating Trustees for the last two years. in electrical engineering from İstanbul Technical University she studied biomedical How do you feel about your new engineering at Boğaziçi University. In the responsibilities? Prof. Dr. Semahat Demir US she got her master’s degree and Ph.D. My goal is to take İKÜ to its next level from Rice University, in electrical and in the next 15 years. I am very humbled, woman leaders. My sister Sıddıka and I computer engineering and received her honored and excited. I know it is a big have volunteered for SWE for 22 years post doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins responsibility and I am ready to face with similar goals in the US and have University in biomedical engineering. the challenges. been successful in raising awareness, inspiring and advancing women in science, She stayed in the US for 23 years doing What do you think is the importance technology, engineering and mathematics, academic research, teaching, and of your new position for Turkey’s and celebrating their achievements. administering research funding for the educational arena? US government. She most recently was What are you future plans? the director of the National Science My goal is to leave the world The goals that I set up for my university Foundation, reporting to the White House. are to educate future leaders, to develop better than I found it, which and find solutions to the challenges that The RCQ editorial team talked to Semahat is my definition of being about her motivation for coming back and Turkey and world are facing, and to make her future goals. a good global citizen. My my university the sought after university siblings and I believe that for education, research, arts, sciences and Robert College has really technology. As I stated in my inaugural speech, I have plans and projects for allowed us to develop more organizational excellence, 21st century and become better global office models, a project development and citizens and leaders. coordination office, a center for industry relations, a career center, international As a scientist and academician, my dual degree and exchange programs, goal has been to become a world-class academic mentoring, customized dual scientist and to educate my students degree programs, a Dean of Students, a so that they can be better than I am. PhD program in Industry, etc. I want to contribute to Turkish higher education with these same values. As a Demir has received 72 science awards. woman university president I would like She has 130 publications and there are From L to R: Sıddıka Demir Velipaşaoğlu RC 89, Asım to be a role model, for I believe women over 200 international articles written Demir RC 82 and Semahat Demir RC 84 leaders have to pave the way for future during Homecoming 2012 about her. 25 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Aylin Küntay RC 84 Appointed to Prestigious Dutch Chair
rofessor at the Department of young academics from Africa, Asia, Latin Psychology at Koç University, America, the Caribbean or the Pacific are language researcher Aylin Küntay eligible to hold the Chair. was appointed as the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity at “I was appointed to this position Utrecht University in September 2012. because of my research focus on early Küntay works in the area of language development of communication and and socio-cognitive development of language across languages and cultures. young children. She will hold this position Early language and communication for two years and will conduct studies capacity is an important human resource on language in collaboration with that predicts later well-being indicators researchers at Utrecht University. She such as academic success and social is expected to hold her inaugural lecture competence” mentions Küntay. “Along in spring 2013 at the Academy Building with my colleagues and students in the (Academiegebouw) in Utrecht. Language and Communication Lab at Koç University, we study how babies, toddlers Aylin Küntay RC 84 The Prince Claus Chair in Development and preschool-age children put together and Equity was established by Utrecht social interactional and family resources In order to answer such questions, Küntay University and the Erasmus University with their socio-cognitive skills to build and her team investigate children’s social Rotterdam in early 2003 in honor of their communication and language and cognitive skills, social-interactive Prince Claus of the Netherlands (1926- abilities,” she explains. “For example, experiences, and family resources. 2002). The establishment of the Chair does early pointing at 9 to 12 months She adds, “We use semi-naturalistic attests to the appreciation of the predict concurrent and later emergence observational techniques, naturalistic academic community to ideas promoted of vocabulary knowledge? Why do some recording, and parental reports in addition by Prince Claus, namely, development babies point and talk earlier than others? to experimental paradigms such as and equity in the world. The aim in Do socio-cognitive skills of children lead preferential looking, eye-tracking, and establishing this Chair is to promote to changes in rates of language learning? social-visual perspective taking.” research and education in international Do early communicative competence and development in accordance with the views oral language skills predict ability to read and ideas of Prince Claus. Outstanding and write?” Hülya Uçansu ACG 71 Tells the Story of IKSV
ülya Uçansu ACG 71 was the founding a completely different milieu: St. Georg, director of the Istanbul International the Austrian College for Girls. I wanted Film Festival and served as director to continue my education at ACG. That for 24 years before she took off for decision was the best thing for a young new ventures. girl of fifteen; to leave the Catholic education system for the inspiring A graduate of Istanbul University, and motivating American system. It Department of English Language and bestowed some significant features on Literature, she worked for several film my development such as enthusiasm for festivals and at the Ministry of Culture learning, curiosity for research, self- before the Istanbul Foundation for confidence, discovery of self, the habit Culture and Arts (IKSV) appointed Uçansu of thinking systematically and creating as its director in 1983, a position she Hülya Uçansu ACG 71 new ways of efficiency. All of these ably filled until 2006. During this time contributed greatly to my performance in she also either chaired or was a member Uçansu felt it was her duty to tell the of the jury in over 10 festivals, including story of this cultural event’s history to my career.’’ Edinburgh, Rome, Montpellier, Venice, all young cinema students. She wanted Chicago and Montreal. to depict the conditions prevailing in Uçansu left IKSV in 2006 and teaches the country at the time, and about how Cultural Activities Management at Her first book, Bir Uzun Mesafe a small group of cinema lovers did their Kadir Has University. She is also on the Festivalcisinin Anıları (Memoirs of a Long best to create an international film Executive Board of the Mithat Alam Film Distance Festival Runner), came out in festival under difficult conditions. Center at Boğaziçi University and strives June 2012. She wrote about the history of to be an advisor to young cineastes IKSV and the founding of the International When asked if RC had any influence on attending world festivals with their films. Istanbul Film Festival which is one of her chosen career path she said, ‘’No IKSV’s leading events. doubt, yes. I completed middle school in 26 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Cem Kozlu RA 65 Describes a New Approach with Europe By Ömer Erduran RC 81
em Kozlu RA 65 published his that recedes the closer you approach it. "benign neglect" of the EU as a bloc, while eighth book Avrupa’ya Hayır He cites scores of nations such as former doing triage with the individual members. Diyebilen Türkiye (A Turkey members of the Soviet bloc that have cut Countries of the rejection front would see Which Can Say No to Europe) in line ahead of Turkey, and claims that at their enmity responded with "aggressive when Europe was reeling from the end of the tunnel will be not light but reciprocity" while members supportive the deepest economic crisis it another dark tunnel unless the current of Turkey's membership would benefit has suffered since the Second World accession process is altered. from its double digit economic growth and War. Avrupa’ya Hayır Diyebilen Türkiye active presence in the region. recounts the tortuous journey the country He blames the rejection front of France, has made over the span of half a century Austria and Germany and is concerned Additionally, Turkey would accelerate internal in order to become a member of the that that their enmity is whipping up reforms in politics, human rights, education, European Union - unsuccessfully, so far. anti-Turkish and anti-Islam sentiments etc., in a manner espoused in some of Kozlu's Kozlu sees full membership as a mirage in Europe. He fears that, this in turn, earlier books such as For a Turkish Miracle will provoke an anti-Western wave in and From Anger to Solution. Turkey. He proposes to alter the arduous negotiation process that has come to His first book, International a standstill; most of the 34 chapters Marketing celebrated its or acquis that Turkey has to reach an th th agreement on with the EU have been 30 anniversary and 12 blocked by France, Germany, Cyprus edition last year, the or the EU Commission. Kozlu suggests same year CNN-Turk did a that an international conference be miniseries based on his convened to discuss EU members' book Leaders Toolbox. objections and issues and agree to an admission deadline. Otherwise, he feels Kozlu is a well-known businessman, a Turkey should put the EU relationship on political figure and a prolific writer. Cem Kozlu RA 65 the backburner by pursuing a policy of Broken Rhapsody
eslihan Stamboli RC 77 completed which seeks to evoke in its readers a her second novel, Kırık Rapsodi deeper understanding of the various (Broken Rhapsody) in 2011. We meanings of freedom through its multi- asked her to tell us about the book. layered narrative spanning a hundred years and four generations of a family as they Love of letters... Love at first live in various locations in Europe. The sight? Maybe so. Or maybe frame story focuses on the transformation it is love discovered through a lot of of Rüya as she writes a novel, which bedtime stories from your parents constitutes the main story, about the followed by a good deal of reading personal dramas, inner conflicts and artistic crowned by the teachings of someone quests of the members of an aristocratic like our unforgettable Münir Bey, whom Hungarian family against a backdrop of I always reminisce with gratitude and social and political changes in Hungary and Neslihan and former RC English teacher Angela a warm smile, showing you the beauty Roome at Neslihan’s book signing for Kırık Rapsodi the tragedies faced by humanity. of literature, and a school like Robert College instilling in you that insatiable Organizational Behavior and two decades “The only true voyage would be, not to curiosity to look courageously beyond and of translations before my love of letters visit new landscapes, but to have new beneath the surface of things to search found expression in 2007 when I wrote eyes,” wrote Marcel Proust once. Writing, for the truth. my first published book, Beyaz (White), for me, is one such voyage opening which portrays a modern interpretation one door after another to a myriad of It took me many years, a degree in of the psychological aspects of the surprising discoveries and helping me give Business Administration, a career in the Samkhya philosophy. Kırık Rapsodi voice to voiceless or muted individuals financial sector, another degree in French followed suit in 2011. and societies while willingly or unwillingly Literature from the University of London, exposing my own voiceless or muted an attempt to study for a postgraduate Loosely based on a true story, Kırık innermost self. degree in Occupational Psychology and Rapsodi is the first part of an epic novel,
28 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Journey on the Cashmere Road
yşen Keskin Zamanpur RC 76 Zamanpur started to write her novel “Is it the majestic wrote the story of her passion: in 1999 after coming back from smell of the Silk&Cashmere, the company she an 11-day journey in China which wisteria, or the founded in 1992. Her book Kaşmir affected her deeply. glorious presence Yolu (The Cashmere Road) is getting of Gould Hall, a lot of attention. Herald Tribune One night she suddenly felt the urge to Mitchell Hall, talks about Zamanpur as “The write, without knowing the pages would Woods, Sage, cashmere maker who conquered the end up as a novel. She shared the piece Bingham...? Is it world”. Kaşmir Yolu describes the dreams about her journey with friends and their the breathtaking of a young woman and how these dreams reactions made her decide to continue view from the come true. It’s the story of a daughter, the story. She started to add details Plateau? Or was it a mother, a businesswoman and a brand about her life and her past. Memories leaving home for that is present in 26 countries world-wide. surfaced, she started making connections, the first time to live elsewhere? Maybe it and discovered more memories of her was the Maze... Was it gaining friendships childhood and family. that were to last a life time? Or the comprehension that it is indeed possible; When asked how it feels to have written such an education, such a residential this novel she says, “The reactions I get life? I don’t know what it was exactly are so warm, so candid; ‘I laughed so hard that caused such a miraculous change while reading’ or ‘I cried so much’. Hearing in me. The four years I spent at RC... If these words from readers I don’t know only those benches could speak...” (from personally assure me that I did the right Kaşmir Yolu, p.30) thing. I am very happy I wrote this book”. When asked how important RC was in The novel has a section where Zamanpur her life, she answers, “When asked talks about her life at RC and how the where I’m from, I say I’m from RC. school influenced her life and career. Would this be enough?”. Ayşen Keskin Zamanpur RC 76
Gündüz Dağdelen-Ast ACG 56 Releases First Album
n accomplished architect and former In 2011, with the encouragement of her art gallery owner, Gündüz Dağdelen- vocal coach Gwen Pippin, she produced Ast segued into a new direction this the CD. year when she released her first album, It’s Time to Start Living. The whiskey-voiced Dağdelen-Ast performs a mix Dağdelen-Ast started taking voice of cabaret songs that is as lessons in 2003 when she realized she had stopped singing. She explains in eclectic as the Istanbul in further detail on the album cover. which she grew up.
"I come from a family in which singing The album features a mix of songs was an integral part of daily life. My including “Those Were the Days”, most vivid memories of growing up in “Les Feuilles Mortes”, and Istanbul are all linked to the songs of my “Üsküdara Giderken”. childhood. When my father was in a good OpportunityKnocks Singers. When mood, no one left the dinner table after Dağdelen-Ast lives in Chicago and she’s not crooning on stage, she works the meal ended; we’d all linger on, happily performs regularly with We-Haven't- alongside her husband, Bruno Ast, at their singing songs.” Quit-Our-Day's-Jobs-Yet and the architectural firm Ast+Dağdelen. 29 GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Defne Dilber RC 93 Wins Red Dot Honorable Mention
esign team Defne Dilber and of the space under the sink, which means Davide Stolfi were recently it can also be installed on a kitchen island. nominated for the prestigious Defne and Davide met at Milan’s Domus Red Dot Design Award, for Academy, where Defne studied for which they won an honorable her master’s in Industrial Design after mention. Their entry was the receiving her bachelor’s degree in Dogma 100, a space-saving sink which architecture from ITU. Davide, who was uses an innovative drainage system. The her teaching assistant in Milan, followed drainage frees up more than 90 percent her to Rome and they worked together at the architecture office of world-renown Massimiliano Fuksas.
In 2003 they got married on a boat on
the Bosphorus. In 2006 they took their Defne Dilber RC 93 and Davide Stolfi union one step further by opening their office Dilber & Stolfi Architetti in Rome. In 2010 they welcomed their twins, Asia They are currently working on new and Denis. They live in Rome, but keep architectural projects including a 200-unit coming back to Istanbul, hoping to create housing complex in Pisa. a second home there soon. Red Dot Honorable Mention-winning sink designed by Defne Dilber RC 93 and Davide Stolfi Hikmet Hükümenoğlu RC 86 Pens 04:00
ikmet Hükümenoğlu's fourth novel soon turns out that they are not the only 04:00 is part noir detective story, ones missing. During the search for the and part dystopian science fiction. lost children, the hero must travel not It takes place in a poisonous and only to the darkest corners of the city, but overcrowded Istanbul, perhaps also to his own troubled sub-conscience. in an alternate universe, a more dangerous city than our own What inspired you to change genres Istanbul - but somehow exactly the same. with this book? We asked Hikmet about the book and I've always liked to mix and match what inspired him to write it. different genres in my novels but this is the first time that the fantastical themes What is the story about? are quite prominent. Perhaps I needed a One ordinary winter afternoon, a three new voice to talk about the depressing year old boy and his Russian nanny times that we are currently going through. disappear into thin air from their expensive, high-security apartment. It What does the title signify? Many people consider 04:00 to be an hour lost between night and day, between consciousness and sub-consciousness. It's the time of the cold and the uncanny. And actually it's the title of a poem by the Polish Nobel laureate Wislawa Szymborska.
How was the writing process? For me, it was the hardest, most disturbing novel to write, but I understand that the readers liked this one the most, Hikmet Hükümenoğlu RC 86 so I'm very happy. 30 COVER STORY
Gearing Up for aCelebration
early 150 years ago, when Through the dedication of these Christopher Robert, Cyrus visionaries, as well as the generosity and Hamlin and Mary Mills Patrick commitment of the countless individuals started their schools in Istanbul who supported them, the schools thrived, that would become the foundation overcoming numerous challenges over of today’s Robert College, their the years. Robert College today still goal was to provide an excellent bears the stamp of the resourcefulness, education for all the different nationalities brilliance, ingenuity, and vision of its in the Ottoman Empire. Far-sighted as early leaders. they were, could they have anticipated that the fruits of their efforts would The 2013-14 school year marks the 150th survive a century and a half, evolve anniversary of Robert College. As we into one of the leading educational approach this remarkable milestone, institutions in the region, and graduate we are gearing up to celebrate as a students who have gone on to make community in many wonderful ways. We notable contributions to Turkey aim to reconnect and renew awareness and the world? about our distinguished heritage, while
Celebrations Throughout the Years The 125th Year The 125th Anniversary of Robert College school because two important things lived up to its theme “Celebrating the came together. The launch of a building Past, Building the Future”. It was a campaign as well as the RC annual giving fortuitous moment in the history of the program in Turkey, were major building blocks for the future of the school. Under the leadership of Rodney Wagner, Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1979-2002, a campaign to erect three new buildings was begun. The campaign The Annual Giving Campaign was initiated was headed by Feyyaz Berker RC ENG 46. under the leadership of then headmaster The outcome of this major effort – Nejat Harry Dawe and trustees Kutsi Beğdeş Eczacıbaşı Gymnasium, Suna Kıraç Hall RC 38 and Hasan Subaşı RA 61. Raising a and Feyyaz Berker Hall – marked the first modest $50,000 from 650 alumni the first time the names of Turkish philanthropists year, the program has gained momentum found their places along their American over the years and now raises close to $2 Rodney Wagner, Chairman of the Board of Trustees counterparts on campus buildings. from 1979-2002, at the ground-breaking million each year for the school. ceremony in 1989 31 COVER STORY
planning for the future. We will join accompany the exhibition: an exhibition to travel to New York for the occasion. forces to make this “once-in-a- lifetime catalogue and a coffee table book. The Special activities like day tours to lesser celebration year” full of exciting events, exhibition will also be available online. known New York destinations are being and projects, paving the way for the organized for groups of RC alumni during next 150 years. • October 5-6, 2013, Istanbul this time period. Alumni of all ages will flock back to Celebration Highlights campus and reclaim the classrooms, • December 12, 2013, Istanbul Under the leadership of the Robert during the 150th year “Back to School A fundraising gala dinner in Istanbul will College 150th Anniversary co-Chairs, Weekend.” Classes on a variety of be held on the shores of the Golden Horn Nina Köprülü and Nuri Çolakoğlu RA 62, subjects will be taught by graduates at the Rahmi Koç Museum. a stimulating program is taking shape, who are experts on their fields. Some with activities for the entire community current and former longtime RC faculty “A 150 year tradition during the sesquicentennial. Detailed members are also looking forward to of taking responsibility information will follow and will be teaching a class or two, to their former for the future” regularly updated on the RC website - students. Stay tuned for the full schedule th www.robcol.k12.tr – as well as through of classes, for which advance sign up will The theme of the 150 anniversary social media like our Facebook page and be required. of Robert College reflects the fact Twitter account. In the meantime, please that the institution, since its founding, has focused on the future, remaining save the dates for the following events: • October 18-19, 2013, New York at the forefront of education for a The festivities in the US focus on a century and a half. The school has • May 2013, Istanbul Celebration Weekend in New York, which graduated students who have not only The celebrations will be launched in includes an alumni reception on Friday, gone on to become leaders in their Istanbul with the RC 150 Exhibition, in October 18. A fund raising gala dinner, fields, but who have also shaped the collaboration with the Suna and Inan "Creating 150 years of Opportunity", will communities and countries where Kırac Foundation Istanbul Research be held on Saturday, October 19. The they live. Having this sort of influence Institute, which will open on May 15, 2013. weekend will serve as an opportunity for is a privilege, and with that privilege With archival photos and artifacts, some many RC alumni from all over the US to comes responsibility. During this on loan from the Columbia University come to New York as a destination to special year, we are reminded that collection, the exhibition will showcase reconnect with friends. At the same time, Robert College has always been, and the impact of Robert College in Turkey the Bayram holiday in Turkey will provide continues to be, a community that and abroad. Two publications will a break for interested alumni from Turkey takes responsibility for the future.
The 125th anniversary was celebrated community took part, both in Turkey with a dinner in New York, an Alumni Arts and the US. The celebration began in Festival (with works by alumni writers, the fall with a Centennial Dinner that journalists and artists) and an Istanbul was held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New dinner. Headmaster Dawe talked about York. Speaking at the event, Assistant the influence of RC on its graduates in Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs his remarks about the Arts Festival: “This W. Averall Harriman noted, “Robert exhibit is a stunning manifestation of the College is the oldest American institution profound success of Robert College, for of higher learning in the Near East – the it shows the tangible accomplishments of first American college founded overseas. its graduates in artistic and intellectual The establishment of Robert College fields, and is a true measure of that marked the beginning of awareness creative spirit which had its initial spark among Americans, a hundred years ago, at Robert College or the American College that higher education is a powerful force for Girls. The Robert College of today is in providing a helping hand to other pleased to honor those graduates in a way countries in their own development.” in which the products of their creativity and The dinner was attended by the accomplishments have come home to where Turkish Ambassador to the US Turgut it all began. The spirit of Robert College has Menemencioğlu RC 35, Board of Trustees lived for 125 years, and is going strong.” members, school President Patrick Malin Murphy and previous RC presidents. Centennial Celebrations th The 100 anniversary was full of The Centennial Dinner The celebration year closed with a festivities in which members of the school at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, October 1962 Centennial Week on both campuses. 32 COVER STORY
Save the Date! Detailed information on RC 150th celebrations will soon be posted and updated regularly on the RC website - www.robcol.k12.tr – and through social media like our Facebook pages and Twitter account.
May 2013 Sept 2013 Oct 5-6, 2013 Oct 18-19, 2013 Dec 12, 2013 May 2014
RC 150 RC 150 Exhibition at Back to School Celebration Closing Exhibition Gala Dinner in the Istanbul weekend on Weekend in Celebrations in moves to Istanbul Research the RC campus New York Istanbul Institute campus
Telling the Story of the institution not only for Turkey but also First Century and a Half in the history of Bulgaria, Greece, In Spring 2012 Cem Akaş RC 86 was Albania, Russia and the Middle East,” brought on board as curator of the RC says Akaş “Among its graduates are 150 Exhibition and related historical three Turkish Prime Ministers, but also projects. An author, historian and editor, two Bulgarian Prime Ministers. At a time Akaş’s experience is helping him bring the when the region is undergoing immense archives of the school’s history to life. restructuring, Robert College can do much in the way of helping the people of “Going into the project, I was somewhat the region become leaders of change.” indifferent about the RC legacy, its claim to greatness, and the graduates of the Akaş is working with the Istanbul school in general,” explains Akaş. “After Research İnstitute to prepare a having spent a month at the Butler comprehensive catalogue of the Library of Columbia University, New York, exhibition. He is also preparing another where the RC archives are kept, a very publication that is close to his heart. peculiar thing happened to me. I was “Most of my energy is going to the RC humbled by all the passion, perseverance, 150 Book. This will be a coffee table book RC 150 Exhibition curator Cem Akaş RC 86 faith, goodwill, and the determination rich in photographs and full of interesting to be a better school that I saw on page this institution thriving. It gave him an items from the history of the school. At upon page, document after document.” entirely new perspective about the school this stage, I am gathering and selecting and what it represents, but also about all the raw material that will go into the Akaş became aware that many people what its mission today should be. exhibition and the book and will soon start have done so much for so long to keep “Robert College is an important the actual production process.”
Celebrations Throughout the Years, cont.
The week began with a panel discussion 75th Anniversary in which Trustees Faruk Kardam RC 32 A booklet was produced for the 75th and Ahmet Şeci Edin RC 47 talked about anniversary which was a pictorial history “A Hundred Years of the Colleges and of Robert College with photos dating back their Contribution to Modern Turkey”. to the early days of the school. An all-day program including graduation took place at the end of the week. Many notable guests were present including Cyrus Hamlin’s grandson, Dr. Marston Lovell Hamlin, and former Engineering Dean Lynn Adolphus Scipio, who at 86 had traveled over 10,000 kilometers to attend. The festivities ended with a Centennial Ball at the Istanbul Hilton. Earlier in the year the Alumni Association of ACG held a gala benefit performance of Clare Booth Luce’s “The Women” at Istanbul Municipal Theater, proceeds from which went to the scholarship fund. The cover of the June 1963 Alumni Bulletin with a 75th anniversary brochure congratulatory letter from MIT in Massacheusetts BMW Inovasyonları
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Young Faces of RCAA Bringing together RC graduates in university life for the last five years, UNIRC (RCAA Committee of University Students) has become a vital part of the life of recent graduates. In September, UNIRC started the academic year with a brand new executive board.
NIRC organizes traditional events Türkiye’nin 7 Rengi (The 7 Colors of places they visited; they experienced a such as Career Day and Academies, Turkey) different world. UNIFUAR, university parties and UNIRC's special community involvement GradLive, and it is planning to add project is now in its 5th year. Each June, What’s next? new ones to the list. 2012 was a UNIRC hosts 49 elementary school One of UNIRC’s fall events is UNIFUAR. successful year for the committee. students at RC for one week. The students Organized for the students of Robert Some of the highlights of the first half come from the seven geographic regions College, it is a university fair where of the year were: of Turkey and are selected according to students get a chance to talk to the their socio-economic status and academic representatives of around 15 Turkish GradLive II achievements with the help of ÇYDD universities, and learn about what they When the first GradLive took place in 2011, (Association in Support of Contemporary offer. Students get to ask questions about it was a big hit. UNIRC decided to organize Life). UNIRC offers the students an university life while preparing for it. it every year in May, when the graduates unforgettable experience on the Another anticipated UNIRC event studying abroad come back home. campus, introduces them to different is Career Day. About 15 companies GradLive aims to bring back the Lise Live cultures and motivates them to participate each year and graduates spirit so it is hosted by the teacher who continue on to university. get a chance to learn about internship started Lise Live, Merril Hope-Brown. opportunities and the recruitment At GradLive 2012 five bands took to the stage, whose members included In 2012, UNIRC hosted processes of these firms. The companies graduates from RC 03 to RC 11 and even seven students from seven get to meet graduates who are high some RC teachers. The event brings a different cities thus creating potentials for recruitment. Stay tuned large number of graduates together and it a diverse environment. for even more activities in 2013! is a great chance to see how talented RC You can follow UNIRC at unircrkmd.org alumni are and how they still continue to The students were all amazed by the make music a part of their lives. spectrum of activities they did and the or on their Facebook page.
From L to R: Aydan Ulus RC 11 - Career Day Coordinator, Elif Nalbantoğlu RC 11 - PR Coordinator, Elif Köse RC 11 - Türkiye'nin 7 Rengi participants enjoying a trip on Growth & Development Coordinator, Lale Tekişalp RC 09 - Vice President, Aykut Akşit RC 10 - President, the Bosphorus Onur Sağır RC 09 - Vice President, Cansu Şenocak RC 11 - CIP Coordinator, Öykü Üner RC 11 - UNIFAIR Coordinator 35 RCAA
The Robert College Alumni Association (RKMD)
Bizim Tepe continued to buzz with activity over the past few months as RKMD organized new activities for alumni and their families including workshops, presentations, panel discussions, cultural sight-seeing tours, fun-filled evenings and workshops for graduates.
Alumni had many unforgettable, happy moments during sight-seeing tours to Gaziantep and Adıyaman in June 2012 (pictured) and Urfa and Mardin in April 2012.
Panel Discussions were held, including "The Recent Spectacular show of the unforgettable award-winning Recent workshops have been on patchwork quilting, Build-up of the Constitution" by Av.Doç. Dr. Ümit RA 69 school orchestra "Renkler" - still dynamic, painting, Greek dancing and reiki. Kocasakal Head of the Chamber of Lawyers of still attractive! Istanbul in April 2012.
Summer spirıt at Bizim Tepe Alumni continued celebrating Homecoming at The new Junior Program was a huge success thanks to Bizim Tepe following Roll Call on campus. the efficient cooperation of RKMD and RC Summer. We look forward to seeing 2013's RC Summer participants! 36 AROUND THE WORLD
The Neighbor that Once Was… In 2010, just a month before war broke out in Syria, RC 92 graduates Tamer Tamar and Bora Samman took a photo expedition to Aleppo
By Tamer Tamar RC 92
hey often say “Ev alma komşu al” (don’t had different views and agendas than and tolerance, a trait we frequently get a house, get neighbors), and when those of self-interested governments. noted in people of Hatay and Aleppo. We Syria and Turkey bilaterally terminated didn’t need to convince him to take us visa requirements for their citizens, Bora Many of Hatay’s residents to Aleppo, since the trip meant he could Samman RC 92 and I took the opportunity have relatives living in Syria, fill up his tank with petrol in Syria at a to visit our mysterious neighbor on a mostly in Aleppo, which quarter of the price of Hatay, thus making photo expedition. We knew little of Syria the journey very profitable for him. and Aleppo. Thanks to our geography binds them culturally. And When you see with your own eyes the teacher’s maniacal obsession with when visas were abolished, petrol price disparity separated by only a memorization, one fact was clearly etched trade through the 877km kilometer, you realize the ridiculousness in our minds - at 877km, the Syrian border exploded, true to of the situation. We have the highest border was the longest of any of our Middle-eastern style. petrol price of any country in the world, neighbors. What became more significant and you bet somebody is profiting handsomely from this. in our journey through Hatay and Aleppo, On Christmas Day 2010, a month before however, was not the length of the the conflict in Syria erupted, we took a border, rather its “depth”. short flight from Istanbul to Hatay with no proper plans on how to undertake I had often heard of Hatay as one of our the 100km to Aleppo. To our surprise, most progressive cities due mostly to the we were greeted at Hatay’s Uzun Çarşı numerous minorities living peacefully by a large banner message from Hatay’s together. This feature was something we mayor wishing his fellow Christian were reminded of time and again as we citizens a Merry Christmas! Where else devoured our way through kebabs and in Turkey would you see this type of künefes there. Ever since Hatay – a source progressiveness? After a quick lunch at of French-incited contention between the famed Anadolu restaurant, we let a Turkey and Syria – became part of the quick-witted teenager take us to Osman Republic, the relations between the two Abi, a frequent day-tripper to Aleppo. countries were strained. People, of course, Osman Abi possessed remarkable poise Tamer Tamar RC 92 with his daughter Göksu 37 AROUND THE WORLD
We genuinely did not know what to expect of Syria once we crossed the border where roads became rougher and villages poorer. It is strange how changes in landscapes bias your expectations of people. When we arrived late at night into Aleppo’s eerie old town, everything seemed foreign. It soon changed though, as we ventured into the labyrinths of the night with our cameras, and started photographing in coffee houses and dark alleys. In a matter of hours, we met Armenian shop owners, nargile-sipping Muslims, Iraqi Kurdish refugees and Jewish teenagers. Even more pronounced than in Hatay, people Friendly and hospitable Aleppo Hatay's mayor wishes the city's Christians a Merry Christmas of all faiths and origins seemed to be able residents are easy to find to get along in one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Yet, one handed government watch, despite although Bora may disagree with this common aspect across all the people we many Assad posters adorning walls of after his kebab binge followed by künefes met in Aleppo was their genuine fondness shops. On the contrary, there seemed in Hatay led to some weight loss! of Turkish people. to be a genuine fondness of him. Yet, at night, when I wandered through the dark It is both sad and surprising for me to I have to say, this is something new for narrow alleys, there was a V for Vendetta see the troubles in Syria. Having been to me. As you travel abroad and mention feel about the place. Osman Abi had Aleppo and experienced the tolerance you are from Turkey, you don’t usually mentioned that Aleppo was perfectly safe and peace there weeks before the events get a warm reception (except maybe in as long as you keep out of trouble, but unfolded, I find it very difficult to believe Korea where we fought a meaningless that once you were in it, you could forget what’s happening there is not without war for them!). Yet, trade brings people about your rights. external influences. Most of all, however, together, and trading is in Syrians’ genes. I am disappointed that the wonderful Many shop owners could speak Turkish, Aleppo is (or was) a special coming together of our two cultures was often accentuated by a sense of humor place with special people liv- interrupted so brutally, against the wishes that goes deep into our cultures. (One of residents of Hatay and Aleppo. I hope ing in peace with each other that the beautiful ancient city of Aleppo shop owner had a sign that read, “Buy regardless of their origins. a present for your mother-in-law” – of with its narrow alleys and mysterious course I did not need a sign to remind me houses won’t be destroyed to rubble. The harmonious existence of many to buy that present!). And the cultural After all, destroyed houses can be rebuilt, different faiths and cultures were visible parallels did not end at the approach but lost neighbors may never be replaced. in their mosques, churches and food; to family values. We saw many Syrian teenagers preferring Turkish soap operas to Hollywood movies. Across from the citadel of Aleppo, when we talked to people watching “soaps” in cafes, their first words usually were, “Turkish girls are so hot”. We agreed of course.
Although similarities between our cultures were apparent, sometimes Aleppo made us feel like we were in the Turkey of the 1930’s. The authenticity of its ancient labyrinth-like bazaars makes Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar look like Disneyland. You marvel in envy at the hospitality and sincerity of their tradesmen and wish sometimes that those values were better preserved in our own culture. There is, however, an undercurrent of repression that may be at the heart of all this. During the day, when bazaars were bustling with energy, I never felt there was a heavy- Shop owner in Aleppo shows his sense of humor with a sign that says "Buy your mother-in-law a gift!" 38 VENUES WE RUN
Living and Learning a Whole New Way
It will be a social community, where people interact, get to know each other, study together, share experiences from different universities, network for jobs, and continue this network once they “graduate” from Republika.
When asked how the first reactions were he says, “Fantastic. We have received very positive reactions from the management of various universities. At the end of the day, no university really wants to focus on accommodation – they want to focus on teaching and research.”
Republika’s current capacity is 1300 students with about half in Ortaköy, n interesting enterprise in town, it is more appropriate to say that we and the other in Büyükçekmece. They Republika Academic Aparts is are evolving it to the needs in Turkey. intend to increase this figure to 4-5,000 an accommodation solution for Serdar Bilgili, the visionary developer students in the next 4-5 years. undergraduate and graduate that he is, saw the gap in the market and students, academicians, as well decided to develop it here. The number of as young professionals. It university students in Istanbul increased To learn more about Republika aims to enhance the academic about three fold in the last decade, thanks Academic Aparts, go to: experience with a setting that provides largely to private universities, and while www.republika.com.tr an excellent environment for both this happened, accommodation was not [email protected] studying and socializing. sufficiently addressed. Combine that with the fact that Istanbul is now becoming a Bilgili Holding, whose founder is Serdar higher education center for the region, Bilgili RC 81, cloned the idea from the and there is a huge demand that needs a United Kingdom, where there are a solution. That’s what we aim to be.” number of companies that create similar Özgen says they plan to make Republika accommodation environments. Bilgili more than just a bunch of buildings. Holding hired the top executives of the biggest UK company as consultants in order to utilize their experience in this sector, which is brand new for Turkey. “We are, however, improving the product as we clone it” says the sales and marketing director of Bilgili Holding Onur Özgen RC 92. He adds, “So maybe
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Changes in the Air This is the third of five installments in the personal account of Betsy Göksel, former English teacher at ACG and RC.
hanges were in the air at the the rosy cheeks, the shy smiles, the “Girls’ School” when the long braids, the dark curls. One day in 1963 school year began and December I explained - in English of were to continue throughout course - that I was going back to South the sixties, growing in Carolina during winter vacation to see immensity. The school was my sick father. One by one the students poor; lack of money began to assert began to sob. They thought I was leaving its claims. Though the ivy was as russet, forever. I soon reassured them, telling the fall flowers as colorful, the campus them I was engaged to a Turkish man was down to one garderner—Şükrü Efendi. and would be here forever. Later at the Mrs. Sims retired to the US (her last cross end of that year I invited my class to my words to me, spoken in the corridor in late apartment in Barton Hall for a little party, August ’63, were, “Ankara is no place to and, full of enthusiasm at my own slowly spend the summer,” having heard through growing knowledge of Turkish, suggested the campus gossip, which, with so many we speak Turkish together. “Oh, Miss single women living in close proximity was Boatwright,” they all giggled, “we couldn’t always saucy, that I had indeed spent the speak Turkish with YOU.” Such was the summer in Ankara. bond of language and love.
The new headmistress would be Dean Betsy Göksel in the Bingham English Office The first general faculty meeting set Eleanor Romig, young for the position, in the mid-seventies the tone for the year. In Mrs. Sims’ inexperienced, unfortunate. Resident time meetings had been organized and faculty would no longer be required to eat This year I had become an boringly efficient. This year they became evening meals with the Lise boarders, but “old” teacher - as blasé unruly and unsettling. Among the new in the small faculty dining room. Also, no and self-confident to the teachers - all women, as the Board had longer would new teachers be housed in new-comers as the resident set - were two friends, a Chemistry Bingham Hall in tiny cell-like rooms, but faculty had seemed to me teacher and a Psychology teacher, both in bland concrete apartments which had in the Lise. They began even at this first been built in the place of the dilapidated just a year before. meeting to question Dean Romig on petty wooden buildings where old campus parlimentary procedual points, causing I was sharing an apartment with three workers had lived their lifetimes. İrini and her to become rattled and defensive. As of my old suite-mates in the charmingly her aged father would be evicted and the year progressed they would become decrepid Barton Hall, near the Plateau. their dwelling renovated. Hard-hearted more vocal and Dean Romig would As no repairs had been done to this decisions were being made. Gradually the become redder in the face and less in 150-year-old köşk for years, it was a veils of gentility were being blown away in control. The climax came before the end blatant fire hazard. No cooking was the winds of expedient change. of first semester. allowed in the building. Our floor had a large roomy kitchen, which we couldn’t To be continued… use, and a bathroom with stars on the dark-blue ceiling and a faraway view of The first two parts of Betsy’s article the Bosphorous with its twinkling lights. appeared in RCQ Fall/Winter 2011, issue A huge ancient Tree of Lebanon stood 41, p.40 and RCQ Spring/Summer 2012 guard outside. issue 42, p. 54. You can read them online at www.robcol.k12.tr I faced another class of 20 darling little girls; this year I had advanced to the intermediate class of Special One. Again Betsy and Burcu Gürsel RC 94 I can list each one in her seat and see C
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So, You Wanna Be a Rock ‘n Roll Star…? Bruce Springsteen didn’t make me want to be a rock star; he convinced me I could be one.
By Andy Laraia, RC English Teacher
ruce Springsteen's critical and Why I chose Springsteen to identify commercial mega-hit Born in the with, over countless other icons of USA was released in June childhood—sports stars, my own father— of 1984. By December of that has something to do with electricity of year, I was already trying to talk, hearing music, something I will always act and dress just like him. love. Yet I try not too hard to identify that quickening, that pulse, that music still sets The video for the title track was released off in me, for caution, that if by examining in December of 1984. I saw it in my friend’s it, I will take away some of the power. basement, where we played Dungeons Some things don’t need to be understood and Dragons, making swords out of wood, to be known. and otherwise living in a fantasy world of knights, elves and wizards. And I knew I could be just like him, and by the age of 13, I had a closet full of Dungeons and Dragons was dark, but it flannel shirts, had torn holes in my jeans, let me be something other than myself. and was dropping Springsteen lines into Springsteen was different. There was a There was a guy I could be, that conversation whenever I could. I was in 8th raw, emotional gut to Born in the USA, probably wasn’t that different from me. grade, but I was going to be a hard-soul and Springsteen sang with an intensity In the years since, it is that voice of poet if it killed me. that communicated believable passion. the everyman he uses which has made And it seemed he could change things Springsteen into a true legend. Why I Springsteen and I diverge here. His with that passion. chose to identify with him so personally mother bought him his first guitar and has something to do with that sense he played it non-stop, learning to “make Dungeons and Dragons was OK—but that of his shared standing with everyone it talk”. His rock and roll dream was video showed me that something else. You don’t have to like his music to absolute; he literally never stopped much more real and urgent was going acknowledge he will remain a cultural pursuing it once he started. The irony on in the world. American icon. If you do like his music, is that for all that Springsteen’s image then that sense that you are listening to speaks of him as the common man, he The video was concert footage of something of the greatness of rock and never really held a job, and when he was Springsteen cut in with images of 1980s roll - music that will endure, because it a starving artist, trying to make it in the America; a realistic slideshow of a country speaks to the listener, like the greatest New Jersey bar scene, he really was a suffering the economic problems of the creative masterpieces do, of the starving artist. So add authentic to his list Reagan era. The image Springsteen was mundane and the glorious business of saintly attributes. perfecting of the young man with a need of our lives - is undeniable. to be heard placed me firmly in world Me? I never had the discipline, and while I that did not concern itself with dungeons His music forms connections, like great babbled away on a guitar, I always let stupid or dragons anymore. Everyone has a art does, and like great artists, his power things like ego and self-confidence keep catalyst for growing up; Springsteen was comes from not being an image or an me from really getting good. That and my mine. His music told me to wake up—rock idea, but being real. Given the talent, interest in girls kicked in around the same ‘n’ roll was deliverance. I had discovered the voice, the vision, and probably the time. Stupidly, I never put that age-old rock something that spoke to me in a language luck, Springsteen is, or could be, you. truism to use: that playing the guitar will I didn’t necessarily comprehend—on a Me, actually. get you girls. I guess I was afraid to work level I had not yet been introduced to— that hard. Or afraid of girls. Or both. yet understood complexly. And the man in I followed up Born in the USA with the white t-shirt and blue jeans, standing everything else he had recorded, with That’s where my hero and at a casual attention in front of the The River and Nebraska holding particular I diverged. He worked at it, American flag was my patron saint. sway over my heart and imagination. “The starved for a dream no matter Ties that Bind”, the opening cut on The I wore deep grooves into my vinyl copy of River, featured a 12-string guitar riff that the terms, despite the costs. Born in the USA, and watched the video over rang out like a rifle shot, and when I first and over again. Seeing the man on stage, in heard it, I ran downstairs with about $60 My life turned out different than I his ragged glory, struck me with an intensity I’d been saving and told my mother I was imagined, and to think I would even unlike anything I had yet encountered. going to use it to buy a guitar. draw a comparison between myself and 43 ESSAY
Springsteen probably speaks to the and see us, and I complain about the late delusions that drove me, might still be nights that come with the gigs. But, that’s driving me, actually, rather than any kind the extent of my connection to Bruce of reality. and the realization of my rock and roll fantasy. Some dreams fade, I guess. The I’m 40 now; Springsteen’s music still key is replacing those dreams with more moves me in a way that little else does. realistic ones. I had a poster of Springsteen on my wall from sixth grade until I left for college, Funny the places you end up: from a and I spent hours staring at that picture basement in suburbia, to being 40 and of him burning up the fret board on his still dreaming with my headphones on, to iconic honey blonde Fender Telecaster. feeling, in a small way, like maybe I did get When I finally bought my own Fender part of my dream right, even if it didn’t Telecaster, the first song I played on turn out exactly the way I thought. Making it was his "Atlantic City". Seemed music is a gift; so is listening to it. But, like a tribute. then, it’s also a gift to know what makes you happy and to keep hold of the magic Nowadays, I play in a band in Istanbul that that moved you, and still recognize it, even gigs regularly. We have a video online, when it moves you in a different way. recorded an EP, have fans that come Andy Laraia still plays his first guitar
Biz Türkiye’nin En Büyük Sağlık Marketiyiz. 44 RC REACHES OUT
Supporting Girls‘ Education through Mentoring o anyone entering Mardin’s Cerciş Murat Konağı restaurant on October 25, 2012, the two long tables with 30 girls aged 7 to 16 might have looked like a regular school outing. But it was actually the first meeting of students from the Payda Supporting Students Project (SSP), spearheaded by RC 79 grads Peri Holden and Aylın Tankut, and RC 97 grads Anıl Atılgan and Bora Tokyay. Each student at the table was chosen or her exceptional qualities, outstanding A Payda student with RC 79 alumni Aylin Tankut Payda President Bora Tokyay RC 97 academic achievement, and determination and Peri Holden to pursue education regardless of which are set up by the GAP Project the obstacles, and is receiving The students all share hopes to help educate and empower women. financial, material and emotional and ambitions of becoming Payda connects the girls’ mothers with support from Payda volunteers to doctors, lawyers, teachers, ÇATOMs where they can learn to produce help her stay in school. police officers, politicians, handicrafts which help earn money for their families. Fifteen year-old Leyla, from the village and more. But nothing will of Kaynakkaya, travels 10 km of rugged come easy to them. “The goals of SSP fit seamlessly with country roads on the bus to attend the mission of ACTL: to help women and Mehmet Kavak Lisesi. She is one of six They all come from very poor households children in war-torn and poverty-stricken children and the only girl from her village where attending school is a luxury. areas gain access to quality educational of 2,000 to attend high school. Hidden Their mothers are illiterate, and three experiences,” explains RC teacher and behind her quiet, shy demeanor and have severely handicapped siblings. ACTL Board Chairwoman Janelle Bondor. inquisitive green eyes is a strong will to Having visited their homes and seen “Grants have been awarded to young go to university. Like many villages in this their circumstances, one cannot help but women in Kenya, Indonesia, China, Ethiopia vulnerable area, terrorism is a constant be inspired to do much more for them. and now, in Turkey.” The two groups concern, and the demands of family life This is why SSP’s volunteer mentors are were brought together through the RC create another hurdle. Leyla’s mother invaluable. Mentors provide emotional Community Involvement Project office. complains that Leyla does not help enough support, educational advice, and a window with childcare, farm work, and to other regions in Turkey through housework - because of her schoolwork. regular phone conversations and emails How you can help Respectful yet determined, Leyla attempts using SSP-provided laptops. Sponsor a student by covering their expenses for one academic year to balance it all and knows that her dreams are only possible with a university SSP came about at an RC 79 class Provide a one-time donation education. Her story is representative of dinner in April 2012, with the modest which goes towards additional other girls in the program. aim of sponsoring two students. Now 30 expenses such as transportation fees, students strong, SSP is more than university preparatory courses and an educational funding project. Its aim supplemental books. is consistent with Payda’s overall objective of bringing together groups Volunteer as a student mentor, one within our society who have become of the most valuable aspects of the SSP project. distant from each other, to create an environment of greater mutual Purchase handicrafts made at the understanding and empathy. Payda’s ÇATOMs, which are available at RC message to the girls is simple and Kermeses, at festivals throughout sincere – “we are here for you”. Turkey and online.
Payda’s projects allow multiple non- For more information visit profits to collaborate. For SSP, Payda is www.paydaplatformu.org or e-mail: collaborating with US-based A Chance [email protected] Learn more about ACTL at Through Literacy (ACTL) and ÇATOMs www.achancethroughliteracy.org Payda Treasurer Anıl Atılgan RC 97 (Multi-Purpose Community Centers) 45 RC REACHES OUT
A Venue for Young Voices from Eastern and Western Turkey ahayyül ve Karşılaşmalar Arasında: are insufficiently able to make their voices Diyarbakırlı ve Muğlalı Gençler Anlatıyor heard. Oral history, which conventionally (Between Imaginaries & Encounters: focuses on elderly witnesses to historical Young People from Diyarbakır and events, is used in this project to learn Muğla Speak) is a website prepared more about youth. This stems from a by an interdisciplinary team directed growing realization of the importance of by Sabancı University Faculty Member post memory, which concerns knowledge Leyla Neyzi RC 78. It includes selections of the past based on diverse sources such of past memories, life experiences, as intergenerational transmission and the future aspirations, and perceptions and media, in addition to direct experience. interpretations concerning Turkey’s current agenda, from 22 young people One of the goals of the with origins in two Turkish provinces. project is to share the oral history interviews with a “Although young people constitute the majority of the population, there are few wide audience in Turkey. studies about youth in Turkey. This study attempts to bridge this gap by conducting Oral history is an important tool in the research using ethnographic and oral expansion of civil society. It is based on history methodologies to create trust and the premise that ordinary people are the a space within which young people can agents of history and that it is critical to develop their own narratives, tell their life take ordinary people’s representations stories, and speak about their everyday and narratives concerning the past lives and concerns in the way that they seriously. choose,” says Neyzi. “For a comparative approach to young The main subject of this project is people, and taking into account the youth in Turkey who are positioned to growing perceptual divide and conflicts determine the country’s future, but between east and west that are high on remain constrained by adult society and the agenda in Turkey today, we chose a province in eastern Turkey (Diyarbakır) and a province in western Turkey (Muğla), Leyla Neyzi RC 78 interviewing young women and men Muğla Speak is at the Hamursuz Fırını mostly in their twenties from different in Galata, Istanbul between November social classes and cultural identities in 30 and December 29, 2012. Exhibition urban and rural settings. In addition, events include a panel with some of the we spoke to young women and men people interviewed for the project, and with origins in Diyarbakır and Muğla in the launch of the project book. Designed a transnational metropolis (Berlin). We by the project team, the book, which will conducted of 200 interviews with 100 include visuals, aims to make the voices of individuals,” Neyzi mentions. young people reach a wide readership.
In addition to the website, the exhibition, Between Imaginaries and Encounters: For further information visit Young People from Diyarbakır and www.gencleranlatiyor.org 46 REUNION HOMECOMING‘12 They say a picture is worth a thousand words...
The ‘’Look Who’s Here?’’ wall at the start of Homecoming 2012 and then at the end of the day. This was a good wall to see… well what else, who showed up at Homecoming! If you were there but did not sign make sure Hugging friends was the theme of the day at Homecoming 2012, held on Sunday, November 4. you don’t miss it next year.
Melike Bayazıt RC 76 and Ayşen Keskin Zamanpur The Class of 62, celebrating their 50th reunion showed up in full force. Over 80 class members, the biggest RC 76 enjoying the Homecoming crowd on the number celebrating their 50th to date, made up a large part of the Homecoming celebrations. steps of Marble Hall. 47 REUNION
Nuri Çolakoğlu, RA 62 was one of the architects of the 50th year celebrations. The final moments Youngest RC alumni Beren, Beril and friends from the Class of the Homecoming assembly had him singing the boys “Alma Mater”, accompanying of 2012. Mehmet Baler RC 51 who performed solo on stage.
Homecoming would not be as special without our teachers! Aydın Ungan, Yıldız Düzköylü, Gülhiz Yüksek and Varak Pogaryan RC 42 was the oldest alumnus Ayşe Güven catch up with each other and salute all former students at the assembly. present at Homecoming.
The oldest alumna present at Homecoming was Nimet Melahat Kınoğlu represented ACG 44 at the assembly. The RC Orchestra gave a brilliant performance Erenli ACG 43. Her son, daughter, son-in-law and She received applause when Headmaster Anthony during Homecoming. grand-daughter are also RC graduates. Jones announced that her cookbook, Bir Ömür Bir Tutam Lezzet was being sold with all proceeds to benefit a scholarship for a female student.
Many decades of grads catch up with friends The younger classes fill up the balcony of the theater during The registration process in Marble Hall ran outside of Marble Hall. the assembly hour. smoothly thanks to student volunteers. 48 REUNION
Five Decades of “Together“
he Class of ACG 62 celebrated its 50th accommodated at the house of Ayşegül make new friendships, reach out to new graduation anniversary with a series Yürekli Şengör RC 85, the daughter of horizons and seek different venues. Yet, of colorful events throughout the year. class member Dilek Erim Yürekli, the the innocence of youth and the formation The “girls’’, as they still prefer to call “girls” had the unique opportunity to of those first memories together compare themselves, stand testimony to the observe a rose harvest, visit a rose oil to little else. The ease of not having to solidarity and class spirit that our nearly factory, and roll in beds of rose petals—a pretend, not having to explain oneself 150 year-old alma mater advocates. great treat for both the skin and the spirit! keeps people close despite the passing of years without actual contact. Five Members of ACG 62 are known for their Finally, as a third destination, a smaller decades is a very long time and we are dedication to each other and genuinely group of 12 flew to İzmir and headed to lucky to maintain this bond and build upon enjoy spending time as a group. In fact, on Alaçatı, where they enjoyed the end of it after half a century! their 25th reunion, they blazed a trail for summer at the lovely Port Alaçatı hotel other years by initiating the tradition of owned by class member Gülçin Soyak Yes, as the Class of ACG 62, we enjoyed staying overnight at the dorms as part of Mutlu and her husband Aykut. a wonderful reunion year. We reminisced their reunion festivities. Fueled by the thrill about the old days, strengthened our of having reached their 50th year together, Last but not least, the class members present bonds and vowed to stay close they were even more eager to participate marked their five decades together with together in the future. in the series of events organized in a Gala Dinner after the Homecoming celebration of this important milestone. festivities on November 4. Thanks for all the memories!
These events included a series of trips In my opinion, the bonds of friendship Contributed by Gürsan Cümbüş Şeyhun throughout the year. The first stop formed in early adolescence are unique. ACG 62 was the Turkish Republic of Northern As people grow older and wiser, they Cyprus. A group of 28 class members from Istanbul, Ankara, the U.S., and even Cyprus visited Lakota and other parts of the island, wined and dined throughout the trip, and mused over their time together at school amidst lots of laughter and some inevitable tears!
Next on the map was Konya. This time 30 of us visited Rumi’s tomb and several museums and then sampled the local delicacies before heading off to Eğirdir, Isparta, for some R&R. Graciously Life is a bed of roses at Isparta
50 REUNION
A Special Time for All at the 50th Year Celebrations
RA 62 in conversation RA 62 still swinging after all these years A 62 classmates came from all The main surprise was no anymore followed by a documentary over the world… Demir Bükey doubt Reflections 2012, on Hüsnü Onaran, our concert pianist from Australia, Haldun Taşman, classmate who passed away in New York Semih Şinik, Noyan Tanberk, an updated special edition the past year. Nostalgia was on full blast Koray Sürsal and Nuri Akgerman of Reflections 1962, the with Beatles songs and dancing. Sunday from the USA, İlkin Esen yearbook of the time. noon was the time to say goodbye for now from Kuwait, Cengiz with hopes of other celebrations for the Ertuna from Singapore, The editorial team made up of Nuri 55th and 60th anniversaries. Abdullah Postacıoğlu from Switzerland Çolakoğlu, Nutki and Günseli Aksoy, Nuri and many others from all over Turkey. Yıldırım and Ömer Bilgin worked like On a special note: The Class of 62 has social archeologists. They put together teamed up to lend support to Robert The group of over 90 people also photos and write-ups taken from the College’s Community Involvement Project included spouses and all classmates who Reflections of 1954 through 1962 of all (CIP) by creating a special fund. Two had studied with them at some point their classmates and added present day classmates made leading gifts of $5,000 between 1954 and 1962. In honor of this photos of each and every family. Not each and contributions by other class special anniversary the celebration was only that, they used very persuasive members continue to come. This is truly a a weekend affair held at the Saklıköy methods to gather updated information wonderful way to celebrate; by supporting complex in Polonezköy, Istanbul. Because on what everyone had been up to since a worthy cause at our alma mater. many had not seen each other for graduation. All the hard work paid off as years, name tags were needed in order the end result helped everyone catch up Contributed by Nuri Çolakoğlu RA 62 to recognize who was who. The first with each other’s lives. afternoon together was spent among shouts of surprise, astonishment and hugs The catching up continued over cocktails as well as conversations on the veranda and dinner. A moment of silence was and poolside. observed for those not among us 51 REUNION
Once in Forty Years he class of RC 72 is special as they were the first co-ed class to graduate after the merger. They became much closer after their 30th reunion, thanks to technology. With the help of their Yahoo group, they communicate more and meet regularly. However, Yahoo group or not, they always hold a reunion every 5 years. The 35th was “Once in a Blue Moon” as it was on the night of the blue moon in June 2007. The 40th Reunion, held on June 16, 2012, was “Once in 40 Years” and was at the Legend Hotel in Cumhuriyet Köyü near Polonezköy.
The organization committee made up of Oğuz Peker, Nesligül Demirer Doğançay, Melek Yaşar, Zeynep Gençsoy Sohtorik and Perihan Karatay met almost every week for three to four months to make Class of RC 72 the event a memorable one. Another group of classmates, Ruşen was taken by Ismail Turfanda with his Eref Yazgan, Müjdat Tohumcu, Mustafa professional camera followed by Oğuz Banu Tansuğ joined the group at a later Dağdelen and his wife, Elife Ünal, Perihan Peker’s humorous speech at the pool bar. stage but worked very hard as the artistic Uzdil, Hasan-Nihal Aktaş, Gülten Özveri The gala dinner was held in the garden, advisor. She designed the coffee cups and and Kadir Ateşok came from other cities followed by “sucuk-ekmek’’ served bags with the 40th year theme which were in Turkey. by the fire. Lizet gave a short but distributed at the registration desk. memorable concert accompanied The majority of the class was from Almost everyone was surprised to see by the hotel’s guitarist. Istanbul but it was an extra pleasure to Gülşen Gürbüz for the first time in 40 see many friends from abroad, and also years. Another surprise was Ayla Danon, a Everybody was happy to see each other a big surprise to see some friends for the classmate from Orta who didn’t graduate and want to meet again for their 41st first time in 40 years. Vartan Paylan and the same year, who came from the US reunion which will be called his wife came from the US. Sinan and with her daughter. “41 Kere Maşallah”. Fatma Ergene Cebenoyan, who live in New York, changed their travel plans to be Even though her daughter had her On a sad note: Renin Eczacıbaşı, despite able to attend. Zeynep Tus Schleicher and appendix removed that day, Oya Idemen feeling tired after a serious illness, was Şermin Üren Vanderbilt travelled from the was still able to make it. also able to join us for cocktails and US. Elian Arditti Koronel, from Tel Aviv, dinner that evening. Unfortunately, made it at the last minute. Saadet Borar The venue was a relaxed one where she passed away in September, three Toker didn’t miss the chance to be with classmates could meet, talk and months later. The Class of ‘72 is classmates again either and came from share stories and photos of their saddened by their loss. London. Ömer Egecioğlu, who normally lives and families. lives in Santa Barbara, came from Contributed by Nesligül Demirer Stockholm where he was on a sabbatical Everyone was a photographer that Doğançay RC 72 this past year. evening but the group photograph
Though the majority of the class is from Istanbul, many classmates came from abroad to join in the festivities. 52 REUNION
Thirty Years Later RC 82
ere I was - granted a little First, a small group of us met on the not one single soul who was not smiling, overweight - but in my prime. I Plateau. It was hot. One of us, whose laughing or singing. These people were leaned back by the tennis courts name shall remain anonymous, brought our dear friends who knew us from and took a look at the majestic, some Bloody Marys. In this heat, it was a when we were little kids; the people we old but beautiful building. As I was very interesting moment for me in which grew up with. trying to take a good look at it I was torn between greeting friends I had through the trees, I saw them. not seen for a while and the magnificent We reminisced about our friends who view of the Bosphorus spreading as departed this world and then proceeded They were wearing old people clothes. glorious as always in front me. to talk about other friends who could not They had old people bodies. Some were join us that night. I guess it was a good fat, some were bald. Walking towards We paid a visit to the buildings and thing I was not among them. them I heard old people voices laughing classrooms where we started to become at each other’s old people jokes. How who we are today. In our former On leaving the campus in the late hours of inappropriate! Who do these people think chemistry lab, we could practically hear the night, several thoughts accompanied they are? Teenagers? These people the instructions for the next experiment. me. I considered myself privileged to are at the same age as my parents. We all agreed it was a good thing that the be an alumnus of this great institution; These people should be world leaders, days of chemistry labs were behind us. especially after realizing what we had politicians, CEO’s, surgeons... But for that achieved with our lives. Another thought moment, they were exactly like when they We then gathered around the steps of that hit me was that although we were were students. Would I and my buddies Gould Hall. Every time I see this building, I approaching our fifties faster than we ever be or act like them? Oh, who cares, am amazed at how magnificent it is. Over realized, when together, we were still I am young, and don’t have time to think drinks and dinner it was pretty apparent those innocent little kids, full of hope and about stuff like this. that we were enjoying each other’s mischief and pranks. company by bringing up old stories. I And then it happened. could not believe how many extraordinary Yes, we were one of them. We were one of stories we had; no wonder the Class of ’82 those people who visited our school once All of a sudden, I realized it was exactly had become a phenomenon. every decade. But not today, not tonight. 30 years ago. It was my 30th reunion. I have - along with all my friends - become As the night progressed and the music got Contributed by Can Altıkulaç RC 82 “them”. And I did not care. louder and the dancing started there was
Class of 82 on the steps of Gould Hall, where it all began 53 REUNION
The Class of 92 20 Years On “Ain’t No Pipe!” The Class of 92 always did know how to have a good time
from L to R: Funda Soysal, Sinan Kadayıfçı, Koral Akman, Bora Tekay, Görkem Işık, Uluç Ayık and İklim Türkoğlu Viol
t is hard to capture the innocence and joy of a reunion with former classmates. The bond runs deep; you pick up easily with one another as if the years had not intervened. Jobs, responsibilities, parenthood - all those adult identities peel away instantly in the light of a natural love and affection you have for people with whom you shared your formative years.
Many thanks to class reps Bora Samman and Onur Özgen for their seamless and thoughtful organization of this beautiful weekend in June.
From L to R: Mete Önol, Duygu Alptekin, Coşkun Baban, Didem Gürbey, From L to R: Çiğdem Alkang Kaplangı, Burcu Gürkan Marshall, Sibel Kutman Oral, Kaan Kural, Selim Sanver and Ali İnan in the front center Merve Berkant Tezel and Emine Fetvacı 54 REUNION
The ‘’Nerotik’’ Phenomenon An RC 85 Classic By Şirin Tekinay RC 85
update all others on “nerotik yahoogroup” when they are at a café or restaurant, referring to Caffé Nero in Bebek as “the basecamp.” These emails serve as invitations to nearby Nerotiks who might be available for a spontaneous coffee break.
Our enjoyment of “Nerotism” has spilled over to evenings, at Asmalı Mescit or at the homes of our legendary hostesses, Gülden Akdemir, Teri Tamfranko, Nazan Akman and Didem Muslu, who opened their beautiful homes and their even more beautiful hearts to RC 85. Another tradition we have adopted is celebrating Istanbul visits with our friends who live abroad. hink of a childhood friend you haven’t to seventh grade, there was blood shed seen for years, one you shared those outside our gorgeous campus so maybe Just one word from Ataman and eighteen complicated, fun, crazy years of growing we were all children taking refuge in a of us packed up to spend a weekend up with. Imagine the conversation you’d slice of heaven. Or maybe it’s because we in Amsterdam for forty eight hours of have if you run into them: “How long were exposed, together, at an early age, nonstop laughter. has it been? So where do you live now? to American culture that was presented Wow, you haven’t changed a bit! I’m on to us in a smiley faced way. Here, there is none of the groupings or Facebook. Email me. We should definitely polarizations there might have been in get together …” Then you’d part, and We can come up with high school. We are getting to know each contacting that old friend rapidly loses many more retrospective other as we are today, but through the priority to other aspects of life. unprejudiced eyes of the children we still analyses but none of are. It is as if life has given us the gifts In recent years, we came to trust our social them will fully explain the of our friendships all over again. We are lives to social networks. But why aren’t our Nerotik Phenomenon. cuddled up in the friendships and care evenings filled with long leisurely dinner about each other’s health and happiness, conversations with friends like in the old Early in 2010, four RC 85s, “Vik,” and run to meet each other’s needs. times? I am lucky that way. I am sharing “Ataman,” “Can Baba” and “Edo” started my daily life with a group of my middle meeting on Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30 am at To be a Nerotik is to attend Thursday and high school friends that I shared those Caffé Nero in Bebek. Then the rest of us mornings enough times to not be enjoyable but difficult years of growing up. started to frequent the meetings, and considered a guest. Non-RC 85 alumni So how did we break the mold? almost instantly became regulars. As became regulars on Thursday mornings; a respectful nod to our meeting place, in fact, they are welcome guests of honor. We, the RC 85s, were already a tight knit and a reference to our sweet madness, bunch; maybe because until we made it we named our group “Nerotik.” Nerotiks BILGI Finans Yüksek Lisans Programları 56 ALUMNI PROFILE
Aydan Baktır RC 77 From Painting to Helping Women Prosper
ydan Baktır had a successful career in Turkey. It has developed and will keep communications, but she always felt developing. At KAGİDER we use funds she had a lot more to say and do. provided by prominent institutions and the European Union to initiate and She always knew she was born develop projects that prompt women’s lucky and she appreciated her entrepreneurship. For instance, with life, the family she was born the support of the World Bank and help into, and the chances she was given. from certain companies, we created a This feeling of appreciation brought certification program called FEM (Fırsat responsibility. She decided to do Eşitliği Modeli – Model of Equality of something that touched others’ lives, Opportunity). This certificate is to prove something permanent and consistent. that a company adopts the model of Ten years ago, she became a part of an equality of opportunity in principal. The organization that was planning to work more companies try to get this certificate, on the inequalities between men and the more equality of opportunity is women of Turkey in the business world. provided in business life in Turkey. Together with 29 other businesswomen, Another project was the Genç KAGİDER in the steps of TÜSIAD’s (Turkish Industry Projesi (Young KAGİDER Project) which & Business Association) gender inequality we coordinated with JP Morgan Chase commission, she founded KAGİDER Foundation. This was a study to prompt (Türkiye Kadın Girişimcileri Derneği - youth entrepreneurship. Thanks to Women Entrepreneurs Association of the meetings organized as part of the Turkey). KAGİDER is a non-profit non- program, college students found the governmental organization which has opportunity to meet with pacemakers. approximately 250 members. Aydan Baktır RC 77 KAGİDER now has 300 members and 30 ongoing projects.” Baktır says “With this project we were “In Turkey and everywhere able to point out the importance of else, one has to have a Painting Dreams solidarity. It is the first of its kind, and political presence to express Not only does Aydan Baktır have a similar projects have already started to oneself. When your presence successful advertising agency, Ring. She is come to life.” also an artist and graduated from Mimar doesn’t have political Baktır underlines that she gained the representation, civil society Sinan University, Academy of Fine Arts. Her first exhibition was in Ankara in 1992 and discipline of shouldering responsibility becomes your only chance," she has had many more since. Combining during her high school days. “At RC our says Baktır, describing her talent with her business knowledge greatest dream was to work to make the why she became a part of for a social responsibility project, she world more caring, more humane and to make it better. The main reason of our this organization. teamed up with a woman’s clothing store and created a collection with her paintings existence was to be beneficial for society. Everything I do has this philosophy behind She adds “I always believed in and reproduced on the clothes. Proceeds from it. Art is the tool I choose.” supported women’s entrepreneurship in the collection benefit KAGİDER.
One of Baktır's paintings reproduced on a dress Baktır (left) speaking at a KAGİDER conference bilgiMBA ile tercih edilen değil, tercih eden olursun. bilgiMBA, alanlarının önde gelen akademisyen ve profesyonellerinden oluşan öğretim kadrosuyla fark yaratır, sizi kariyer hedefinize ulaştırır. Başvurular devam ediyor.
(0212) 311 71 76 | graduate.bilgi.edu.tr | [email protected] | mba.bilgi.edu.tr İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi santralistanbul Kampüsü Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santrali Kazım Karabekir Cad. No: 2/13 Eyüp İstanbul 58 ALUMNI NEWS - Send us your news! E-mail: [email protected]
Aslı Tunçbilek RC 08
Aslı and İlker Sözdinler tied the knot in Istanbul on August 24, 2012. The wedding ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, was a mini reunion of sorts with many classmates in attendance. The couple traveled to the US for their honeymoon and then settled in Istanbul to continue their respective careers.
Aslı, who completed two majors at Koç University, Industrial Engineering and Economics, presently works in the corporate finance division of PricewaterhouseCoopers. İlker on the other hand, graduated from Penn State University, and is a managing partner of Birleşik Ödeme Sistemleri and NGN.
Aylin Çalışkan İslam RC 04
Aylin Çalışkan and Seha İslam met while Seha is still working as a financial while getting their bachelor's degrees consultant at Ernst & Young. The couple in Information Systems Engineering at tied the knot on a magical September Binghamton University and became close 2012 evening in Istanbul with many RC friends. Aylin went on to get her master's alumni and faculty present. They live degree in Robotics from the University happily in Princeton where one commutes of Pennsylvania while Seha worked as a to Manhattan every day while the other financial consultant in New York City. This goes to Philly. led to an enormous amount of roundtrip New York - Philadelphia tickets.
At present Aylin is pursuing her PhD Aylin would like to get in touch with degree in Computer Science at Drexel RC alumni and she can be reached at University with an amazing advisor [email protected]
Zeynep Özkartal RC 97
Zeynep Özkartal RC 97 got married to Orkun Soylu on September 19, 2012. They were introduced by a friend two years ago, at a Mimar Sinan University party where Zeynep got her undergraduate degree.
After graduating from university in 2002, she continued her education at Koç University and completed her MBA degree in 2004. She now works at Blab İstanbul Advertising Agency as an account director.
Her husband, Orkun Soylu is an Austrian High School 1994 graduate, who got his undergraduate degree from Marmara University in Management Information Systems in 1998. He now works for Barilla as an IT Cluster Manager for MEA & Turkey. 59 ALUMNI NEWS
Itır Güvenç Müngen RC 03
Itır and Berkin met at a friend's birthday bachelorette crew (including Yasemin party in London in May 2009. Berkin Kural RC 03, Fulya Kardaşlar RC 03, Deniz hassled all of Itir's friends for her phone Oran RC 03) went to Mykonos, while number and eventually succeeded! They Berkin and his buddies (including Egemen have been inseparable ever since their Edgu RC 97, Pirgun Akinal RC 99, Berke first date. Biricik RC 00, and Osman Can Ongun RC 01) went to Hvar & Split. Berkin arranged a trip to the US in August 2011 with the pretense of helping For the big day on June 23, 2012, Itır and his brother move and asked Itır to meet Berkin shared their happiness with family him in Miami. When she arrived, she was and friends at Çubuklu 29 in Istanbul. surprised that Berkin had already booked After a very relaxing honeymoon in dinner. After a romantic meal, Berkin took the Maldives, Itır and Berkin returned her hands into his, looked her in the eyes to London, where she works at Morgan and asked, “Ms. Itır Güvenç, will you do me Stanley Markets and he works at Unicredit the honor of becoming my wife?” Principal Investments.
After the formalities of kız isteme, the party prep started! Itır and her Doruk Kadıoğlu RC 01 Doruk and Şanda Alpaslan got married on July 21, 2012 and are now settled in Istanbul after Doruk spent 10 years living and working in the US. He completed a BFA in computer animation at the Ringling School of Animation in Florida and then worked at K2 Network, an online game company in Los Angeles. At present, Doruk is the product manager of the Istanbul branch of Riot Games, a company based in LA.
Zeynep Ülker RC 2000 – Sinan Gümrükçüoğlu RC 97
Another pure RC couple getting married working at Einhell İntratek A.S. might not be such big news, however, and simultaneously doing her Masters having their love blossom at Homecoming degree in Financial Engineering at is a rare event. Boğaziçi University.
In 1997 Zeynep was finishing Orta, when Almost a year later they were off to Paris Sinan was already a senior, so it was to celebrate Sinan's birthday when he perfectly natural that they barely knew pulled the ring out of his pocket to pop each other’s names, until they met in the question on a Sunday morning in Alaçatı 12 years later. Although Sinan had Jardin de Luxembourg. On July 5, 2012, to return to work abroad after a couple of with joy written all over their faces, days, the interest they had for each other Zeynep and Sinan got married at Moda was not going to be lost. Deniz Kulübü.
Fate played its role; Sinan's sudden If you'd like to contact them, their decision to come back for good was great email addresses are: Zeynep: news for Zeynep when he told her about it [email protected] Sinan: at Homecoming. Sinan started practicing [email protected] architecture in Istanbul, while Zeynep was 60 ALUMNI NEWS - Send us your news! E-mail: [email protected]
Emir Kefelioğlu RC 97
Emir Kefelioğlu and Selin Varon tied the knot on August 5, 2012 among friends and family at Fransız Bahçeleri in Tarabya, Istanbul. The couple met eight and a half years ago at Babylon through a mutual friend.
After RC, Emir studied business management at Koç University. Selin graduated from Marmara University where she studied econometrics. Emir is currently the regional manager for the Middle East at Donaldson Company, Inc., and Selin is the television advertising sales director at Kanaltürk.
Burcu Özüpak Güleç RC 96
Burcu Özüpak Güleç and Ali Güleç were married in 2008 and recently welcomed the first addition to their family. Their daughter Rüzgar was born on October 23, 2012, measuring 50 cm and weighing a little over 3 kg.
Burcu Saraçoğlu Berent RC 96 Selim Berent RC 94
Burcu Saraçoğlu Berent and Selim Berent, who have been married since 2006, had their first child. Baby Eda Berent was born on September 24th, 2012. She was 50 cm and weighed 3.4 kg.
Selin Küçükoğlu Şimşek RC 99 Arda Fuat Şimşek was born on March 21, Selin and Ergün met at Duke University, 2012, in Washington, DC, with a full head Durham, NC, while doing their graduate of hair that still makes everyone jealous. studies. After six years of courtship, and a Joyous parents Selin Küçükoğlu Şimşek return to Turkey in 2008, they got married RC 99 and her husband Ergün Şimşek in Bursa on July 11th, 2009. In 2011 the announced the new addition to their winds changed direction and they found family to their family and friends minutes themselves moving to a new home in DC. after his birth. At their DC home Arda Selin, a professional in payment cards, Fuat welcomed his mother’s friends from currently enjoys being a full-time mom. Ergün RC, Sait Kurşuncu RC 99, Onur Okutur is a professor in Electrical Engineering at the RC 99, Bahadır Balban RC 2000, Melis George Washington University and a full-time Yılmaz RC 04 and Mine Özgül RC 01, who dad. Arda Fuat, continues discovering a new gathered to celebrate his arrival. way to be impish every day. NEFAN_SHURE_SRH_SERISI-21x28.indd 1
© 2009 Shure Incorporated [email protected] www.nefan.com Uğur MumcuSok.No: 23/7G.O.P.Ankara Bahar SokakBarasHan 4/7Gayrettepe-İstanbul Tamamlayıcı bilgiler, referanslar, uygulamadesteği vestokdurumuiçinlütfenarayınız. dinleme vekayıtlariçinidealseçim. kablosu vekatlanabilenkafabandıile,kritik plan gürültüsünüazaltanyapısı,modülerspiral ve müzisyenleriçintasarlananSRH840,arka yansıtıyor. Özellikleprofesyonelsesmühendisleri ve tizseslerisonderecedengelibirbiçimde düzenlenmiş frekansyanıtısayesindebas,orta SHURE SRH840,hassasbirşekilde SRH840 –StüdyoReferansKulaklığı Tel: (0312)4470792 Fax:(0312)4470793 Tel: (0212)2884139 Fax:(0212)2759118 için idealseçim. Kulaklıklar, dinlemeyapılantümalanlardaprofesyonellervemüziktutkunları Profesyonel stüdyo,evstüdyosu,DJsetiveyakişiseldinlemesistemi…Shure efsanevi Shurekalitesinibiraradasunuyor. kalitesini, üstünkonforuvegündelikkullanımınzorluklarınameydanokuyan tasarlanan veüretilenShureProfesyonelKulaklıkSerisi,mükemmelses Profesyonel sescihazlarıalanındaki80yıllıkShuretecrübesinedayanarak KULAK VERİN PROFESYONEL SESE SRH240A SRH440 Shure -80yıldırEfsaneviPerformanslar SRH940 Shure SRHKulaklıklar SRH550DJ SRH750DJ 27.03.2012 16:58 62 ALUMNI NEWS - Send us your news! E-mail: [email protected]
Okan Atilla RC 90 Yelda and Okan Atilla’s second child and first baby girl, Irmak, was born on June 28, 2012. She was 51 cm tall and weighed 3,160 grams. Irmak was very happy to meet older brother Sinan, who is looking forward to talking to his sister soon.
Eda Yıldırım Büyükkayalı RC 95
Eda Yıldırım Büyükkayalı RC 95 and Deniz located in different cities and countries. Polat Skidmore, her friend and colleague “Big firm lawyers cannot possibly of 9 years, started a partnership in continue practicing in the orthodox way April 2012 called ActioLegal Turkish they have been practicing for the past Law Consultancy. several years; it simply isn’t a good long- term strategy,” notes Eda. “Contrary Eda lives in London while Deniz is in Datça to what some might believe, lawyers and they both travel as work requires. interested in work/life balance aren’t The third member of their team, Mr. afraid of hard work; they’re simply looking Erdoğan Yıldırım, works from the main for better ways to incorporate both the Istanbul office. The team is connected to personal and the professional into their international and local law firms in Europe lives in a meaningful way.” and Turkey, facilitating the delivery of legal services to Turkey-related matters. The team’s judicious use of technology enables them to work efficiently, and Eda and Deniz believe that happy lawyers provide professional and high-quality lead to happy clients and one way of service to their clients without a big law achieving this is to not sacrifice work/ firm’s onerous costs. Eda says that her RC life balance while pursuing career goals. experience always prompted her to seek Their shared beliefs in work ethics and innovative ways of doing business and her discipline convinced them that the team recent venture is a good example of this. could work seamlessly despite being Eda Yıldırım Büyükkayalı RC 95
Eser Gürocak RC 74 Eser Gürocak celebrated the 10th colors of her inner world. “The written recruitment, remuneration, performance anniversary of the founding of her word cannot keep up with the speed of management and succession planning company EG Consulting with an exhibition my thoughts,” she said, “whereas my as well as directing the coordination of in September 2012. fingers make paint brushes dance and human resources processes between the I have the freedom to put my thoughts headquarter and the Holding companies. This private exhibition, entitled Papillon on the canvas. This makes me happy. My (Butterfly), was composed of her paintings have the ability to reflect my In 2002 Eser founded her own company, paintings which she says express the inner world; my happiness, fears, EG Consultancy, and she continues to worries and hopes in a sincere way be its General Manager. The company that relaxes me.” specializes in staffing and human resources management. After RC, Eser graduated from Boğaziçi University in Business Administration in Its core business is dealing with executive 1978. She started her professional career search and selection while also providing at Koç Holding as a management trainee middle management recruitment and in 1979 and was promoted to human entry-level staffing. resources coordinator in 1982. As the coordinator of 100 companies and 16,000 Eser is married and is a mother to employees, Eser executed fundamental two children. Eser Gürocak RC 74 far left, with her sons Efe, Ege human resources operations like and her husband Can 63 ALUMNI NEWS
Meral Bolak Gürol RC 81 package, she was employed as a teaching to indulge in her lifelong passions of assistant in the English department during reading, writing and learning, and also her four years at SIU. to share those passions by teaching others. Through education, she has After completing her studies and the satisfaction of observing and being returning home to Istanbul, she decided inspired by young minds on a daily to pursue a career in what she loves basis as they, in turn, are inspired by most – education! Recently, she has her contributions. It is a source of joy combined her interest in this field for her to be able to help students with counseling students who plan to achieve their full potentials with study abroad after high school. She her support. has worked with the UCLA Extension program for college counseling, and has Over the years, Meral has also taught at been collaborating with TIPPS (Turkish various universities in Istanbul, including International Prep Schools) on several her own alma mater, BU. She has been a After RC, Meral studied English Literature projects. Founded in 1998 by Tamer part of various creative writing projects, at Boğaziçi University where she received Gürsoy RC 77, TIPPS offers each student and her travel articles appear regularly in her undergraduate degree with honors top-notch personalized assistance in an online publication. in 1985. Upon the recommendation of choosing foreign universities, preparing her professors she was granted a full for entrance exams, and dealing with the Meral lives in Etiler, Istanbul with her scholarship by Southern Illinois University college application process as a whole. husband Işık. Outside of education, her at Carbondale where she received her biggest interests in life continue to be MA in English Literature and went on to Meral finds it immensely rewarding to literature, music, art, and travel. work on her PhD at the same school and be working in college counseling – a department. As part of her scholarship fascinating area that allows her both
Hale Güngör RC 2000
Hale Güngör, who continues to live and alienation, as well as the concern of how work in Stockholm, Sweden, is preparing to reconstitute a home have come to for her new solo exhibition, to take surface in Hale’s paintings. In the last place in March 2013 at PG Art Gallery few years, she has been focusing on the in Istanbul. concept of the “shell of a home” and dislocation in an attempt to channel the After RC, Hale moved to Paris to study mind of a migrant through her work. fine arts at Parsons School of Design. In 2004, she returned to Istanbul where Hale has had solo exhibitions in Istanbul, she established her own studio (not far Paris, New York City and Stockholm, from RC in Arnavutköy) and started and she hasparticipated in numerous exhibiting internationally. She hit the road international group shows. Since once again to focus on painting at Pratt spring 2012, she has been represented Institute in New York in 2008 before by PG Art Gallery in Tophane and relocating to Stockholm in 2010. She is exhibited with them at Contemporary now a member of Platform Stockholm, collage, she queries ease and disturbance Istanbul in November 2012. where she has her studio and is just about in the cultural sense while using the space to get her master’s degree from the in between reason and oddity Swedish art academy, Konstfack. as a guideline.”
“Whether living or inanimate, elements Having spent about half of her For more information about the in Hale Güngör’s paintings are more than lifetime outside her home country artist and her works, please visit: often where they do not belong. Through and not speaking her mother tongue; www.halegungor.com the use of physical and intellectual the questioning of belonging versus 64 ALUMNI NEWS
Pınar Bilgiç RC 08 Pınar is a graduate of Boğaziçi University Pınar gave four personal development Computer Engineering and in December seminars at various vocational high 2009, she joined Social Entrepreneurs schools and a motivational speech during Young Leaders Academy (SOGLA) as the SOGLA Social Entrepreneurship a member of the Founding Board and, Conference in 2010, to 550 people whenever possible, committed her time consisting of students, professors and and energy to entrepreneurship and professionals from NGOs. She describes social work. SOGLA’s vision of developing this as one of the most challenging but sustainable systems that ensure social enjoyable events in her life. Last summer, transformation with professional coaching she studied social entrepreneurship and and personal development systems has leadership at the University of Texas, become one her priorities. with a US State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Under the roof of SOGLA, Pınar served as scholarship and had the chance to a wish is a natural consequence of our the leader of the social entrepreneurship enhance her knowledge on social business culture. Whether it is the fortune cookie Hayatımın Lideriyim (I Am the Leader with a global perspective. in the Far East or the wish tree in Islamic of My Life) that organizes personal nations, we are surrounded by wishes. As development seminars and life coaching While continuing her efforts to spread the http://www.wish-let.com, we are carrying sessions for high school and university concept of social entrepreneurship, Pınar the wish culture to an online platform. students in Istanbul. All members of her is determined to generate a disruptive Wish-let is the new wish ritual,” says Pınar. team have become professional peer to social media idea. As a result, in September They now have around 4,000 users and peer life coaches and have served around 2011, she founded wish-let.com with two are working passionately to expand Wish- 120 young people. As the team leader, of her classmates from Boğaziçi. “Making let to new customer segments. Derya Erdemli RC 03 the second half of her day ballroom competes in the “Pro-Am” division, where dancing, which she calls her “second a professional/teacher partners with an job”. She pursues ballroom dancing with amateur dancer, similar to “Dancing with a lot of passion and discipline, training the Stars” or “Yok Böyle Dans” it’s called every day, usually 3-4 hours at a time. in Turkey. In a ballroom competition, a lot “Competitive ballroom dancing is as of couples take position on the floor at important to me as my career,” she says. the same time and dance five consecutive dances. Competitors know the beat of the She started dancing only a few years ago songs, but do not know which particular in New York, and danced her way from the songs will play, or whether they will be beginner level up to being an “open gold” fast or slow. competitor, the most challenging level among ballroom categories. Her specialty “It’s so satisfying to see yourself and the is the five Latin dances: cha-cha, samba, overall dynamic of the dancing improve rumba, paso doble and jive. She finds week in and week out, and it adds to the dancing is a great way to balance her life joy when the judges appreciate your work explaining, “When you step on to the dance too,” says Derya. floor, everything else in life goes away.” As much as she enjoys Manhattan and Derya says it takes a lot of both of her jobs there, Derya plans to mental and physical discipline come back to Istanbul in the next couple to practice for a competition of years. “Since I can’t quit dancing, I will and adds, “Work might have hopefully bring it with me, and pursue Derya with her partner Andrei Kazlouski at New York a career around dancing,” she says. City Ball, May 2012 been intense, you may have had a bad day, you might be Her dream is to open her own studio in Derya Erdemli RC 03 lives in Manhattan, sleep deprived, but there is Istanbul, and help make dancing a more and like many fellow RC alumni, works on no excuse to lose your focus.” widely known and pursued activity among Wall Street as an equity research analyst children as well as adults. at JP Morgan. After her usual 12-hour Derya has participated in several ballroom work day that begins at 6am, she starts competitions throughout the US, and 65 FACULTY & FRIENDS NEWS
Dave Phillips Retires When Dave Phillips headed for Istanbul in the summer of 1979 with a two-year contract, he never expected to stay for over three decades. And he had no idea of the impact he would make on sports in Turkey or the lives of thousands of Robert College students.
uring his interview, the Chair of better than other students’, because the Board of Trustees, Jim what RC did was always magnified.” One Maggart, told him he could be of the ways he did this was to teach his both a teacher and play team to win and lose gracefully. “I didn’t professional basketball in put pressure on them to win. Sometimes Turkey. He played basketball when we lost I was devastated, but I for Beşiktaş. “It was a great experience wouldn’t let them know. We had many because it gave me a chance to see positive experiences whether we won more of Turkey as well as some parts of or lost. And we were able to change the Europe,” says Dave. “But my job at RC image other schools throughout Turkey was always top priority.” had of RC.”
He says it wasn’t his experience that In May 2012, alumni and friends held influenced how he coached but the several events to bid him farewell. One education system. “Over 100 teams of the activities was a campaign to raise would register for the league, and if they money to rename the upper field after lost the first game their season would him (see page 14). There was also a Legendary RC PE teacher Dave Phillips Jr. be finished.” A student’s uncle asked farewell dinner on campus with a video remember a time when I saw him freak Dave to coach the Zeyrek team, and in featuring messages from his former out. There were times when I would have return Dave asked Zeyrek to sponsor his students and players, a belly dancer and lost my cool in the face of the situation students so they could play more games he was given a trophy. at hand: star players with discipline under the club system. The girls and boys problems that prevented them from volleyball and basketball teams played Erenşah and Orhan Ayanlar, both RC playing in a critical match, referees under the Zeyrek name from 1985-96, 96, summed up people’s feelings for who specifically targeted him for one when they formed the Robert College their coach when they said, “You are the reason or another. Through them all, sports club. ultimate definition of Mr. Cool, Sir, and Dave maintained his dignity. I wish I we hope our son is going to be like you. could have half these qualities when I Building bridges through sports We were very lucky to have had you as face frustration.” Dave introduced many new activities our teacher. Thank you, we will seriously to RC including the athletics team and miss you.” When asked about what his lasting the RC Olympics. He also organized legacy would be for his students, Dave intramural programs at RC which brought Fellow teacher and friend Colin Edmonds says, “Because of the students, there schools together. “I wanted to share our echoed their sentiments, “To me was never a day I didn’t want to facilities with the community and show Dave Phillips embodied ‘cool’. I cannot come to school.” people that RC students weren’t spoiled.” He also saw sports as a way to change Robert College’s image throughout Turkey. “One of my goals was to make sure our students’ behavior in public was
Dave and Kaan Kural RC 92 Dave and his Orta students in the 1970's 66 FACULTY & FRIENDS NEWS
Charlotte Şamlı Life as a Country Bumpkin
bedroom was sagging badly and next door borders and snatch moments with friends we disturbed a nest of swallows that flew around a roaring fireplace or walks in the in and out of the broken window frames… rain. Summer holidays became a charm we were not put off. offensive for the whole family, basic cookery skills were required, those of us We enjoyed New Year 2001 in our who claimed to speak French were put restored home and found that we were to the test and even the dog learned addicted not just to the village but to not to bark when new people arrived the art of restoration itself. We then on our terrace. embarked on six years of planning, building and decorating two more houses Finally I am here and we have left Istanbul at the same time as continuing our to our daughters. In my new environment I careers in Istanbul and trying to navigate am on a steep learning curve, I am finding the stormy waters of two teenage out how to sun dry tomatoes, create 20 daughters. Summer holidays were spent Aegean meze specialties, understand amid rubble and dust discussing the the local lingo and 25 things to do with difference between the plans and the lavender. This is only the beginning but results and trying to work out how to put every day brings new excitement. together the stainless steel kitchen units. I have two new restoration projects to We then found ourselves in do but red tape moves slowly in this part a new place where people of the Aegean so no one is expecting actually came and joined us anything to be done in a hurry. on our terrace and admired Meanwhile this year we have our olive grove harvest and the boughs of the the view. While we had been trees are laden down. n 2012 I finally did it, I gave up my 32 renovating, Şirince itself had year teaching career to start a whole been undergoing changes and We are hoping that we will have the new life in the small Aegean village suddenly there was a lot of chance to share the beauties of this place of Şirince. My first look at the village with all members of the Robert College in 1999 took my breath away and interest in the cobble streets community and to encourage you we we found ourselves bargaining with and local wines! offer a 25% reduction for anyone who is a shepherd to buy his dilapidated but connected with RC. charming old home on the side of a hill. The next phase involved moving into the We explored the downstairs of what was untested waters of running the houses we to become Grapevine House with a box of had built. matches as there were no windows, and Please get in touch we trod carefully on the soft and warm Full time teaching continued, but there www.ephesushousessirince.com, Terrace soil underfoot recently vacated by its were hurried weekends away to mend Houses Şirince, Tel 0532 263 7942. resident sheep. The ceiling in the main washing machines, plant herbaceous
Tamay Erdoğan
amay Erdoğan taught Social Studies and Geography at Robert College from 1970 until his retirement in 1979. Married with three children and three grandchildren, Tamay is proud to have contributed to the education of thousands of students and continues to be an educational consultant at Bakırköy Özel Taş Primary School in Istanbul. 67 FACULTY & FRIENDS NEWS
Birol Özdemir Publishes His First Book
eleased in October 2012, Turkish literature teacher Birol Özdemir’s Haymatlos (Statelessness) is a compilation of short stories that he has written over the years. The first half of the book has longer stories and is described as more poetic, while the shorter pieces in the second half are humorous and ironic. He chose the RC Turkish teacher Birol Özdemir title of the book because it raises curiosity and, as can be concluded He keeps journals and develops stories from the stories, everybody inside from ideas he writes in his journals. He houses a form of haymatlos. has taught in different areas around Turkey, and tries to write about these “In 1990 I submitted some of my stories areas. But one region that has greatly to the Akademi Kitabevi Edebiyat Ödülleri influenced his writing is Kırşehir, the in the category of short stories and area in central Anatolia from which his received an honorable mention. I was father hails. Rich in folkloric tales and advised to wait to publish them until I had traditions, Özdemir wrote his master’s a chance to revise them, but I realized thesis on how folklore is woven into their that was 22 years ago!” jokes Özdemir. lives and culture, from food preparation His stories have actually been read by the to weddings, poems and songs. Some public over the years. Özdemir published folkloric elements and memories from his two literary magazines with friends, fatherland appear in Haymatlos. Varoş and Vurgu, and some of his stories appeared on their pages as well as in “Every story has a different He’s grateful to his colleagues and some other literary magazines. When one of his premise, and that story’s of his students who have critiqued his students, Özen Uğurlu, helped him with work, from which he feels he’s benefitted the book’s drawings, he felt like it was his style is revealed through its a lot. “Our students are objective. If they responsibility to publish this book. premise,” explains Özdemir. like it, it means the story is good.”
Münir Aysu Moves South
eloved former faculty member We were able to catch up with him when Münir Aysu is known never to miss he called the Alumni & Development office Homecoming. As a matter of to inform us that he and his sisters had fact, he is pictured here at moved. Over the summer of 2012 they Homecoming ‘09 with Oral left their long time home on Valikonağı Bozyiğit RC 98, faculty member Avenue, Istanbul, and moved to the Mehmet Uysal and retired faculty cleaner air, quieter and slower-paced member Nuran Demircioğlu. When he was lifestyle of Turgutreis. not spotted at Homecoming 2012 many of you may have wondered where he was. Münir Bey says he welcomes phone The RCQ is happy to report that Münir calls and e-mail at 0252 382 0661, Bey is well and enjoying the fresh air and From L to R: Oral Bozyiğit RC 98, Mehmet [email protected] Uysal, Münir Aysu and Nuran Demircioğlu relative quiet of the Bodrum peninsula. at Homecoming in 2009 68 OBITUARIES
Ayşe Şehime Day Ayanoğlu ACG 42
A. Şehime Ayanoğlu passed away on culture traits, with which she also infected June 13, 2012, at the age of 90. in every her children. She was very wise and possible way. intelligent. She was a devoted mother, After graduating from ACG she studied In 1986, they a very good wife and also a loving English literature at the Faculty of moved to daughter and sister. She tried her best Language, History and Geography in Istanbul to be to make everybody happy, thereby often Ankara. In the meantime she got married closer to their neglecting herself. and had a baby girl followed by her son 13 daughter years later. Fatma Gül Despite all her virtues, she was a modest and her person, and was always thankful for Her husband was a medical doctor in family. everything she had. She was a real the army and in 1948 was appointed to Her son lady and was respected, loved and Erzurum where they stayed for seven Perçin had cherished by all who knew her. We (her months. Afterwards, they were sent to the studied and daughter Fatmagül and son Perçin, and US for two years. Her husband practiced settled down in Germany, and although grandchildren, Zeynep and Ekin) will in different hospitals and this gave them she did not mention it, she missed him a always be very proud to be her children. the opportunity to visit many states. lot, as did her son. Upon their return they settled down in Contributed by Fatma Gül Dülger and Ankara, where she supported her husband Şehime was full of life with a very sharp Perçin Ayanoğlu through his career, and brought up her mind. She enjoyed music and arts, and children, infusing them with general loved reading, learning and travelling;
Üstün Üstündağ RC 44
Languages in Monterey, California. Their Having lived a life across the globe, filled first son Ali was born in 1950 in Carmel. with interesting places and characters, An adventurous journey by car across Üstün was an inexhaustible source the US to New York was followed by a of stories. A great entertainer with a job at the Voice of America. The family sense of humor akin to a Zen master, he returned to Turkey in 1952 where he was remains in our memory as the greatest enlisted and joined the Turkish Brigade storyteller we have known. in Korea. A man of principle and of integrity who After Korea, the family moved to Paris, declared his own truths and proudly where their second son Osman was stood by them no matter what, he was Son of former Mayor and Governor born in 1955. Üstün spent the next 30 immensely passionate about anything of Istanbul Muhittin Üstündağ, Üstün years working for NATO as a high level that was close to his heart. A man of Üstündağ passed away at the age of 87, bureaucrat, and then for the OECD. extensive understanding of world affairs on April 19, 2012. During this time he also contributed who diligently searched for answers to and supervised projects such as the and solutions till the very end. A refined Following his graduation from RC, he Köyceğiz regional development project gentleman who had a very unique attended Yale University and then and the directorate of Turkish workers in perspective in life and made the most Berkeley to study economics. He married Europe under the Minister of Labor Atilla interesting critique of it. So distinct was his high school sweetheart, Gülgün Sav. In 1974 he became an advisor to the his mark on our lives that we feel he Basman ACG 44, in New York and Ecevit government, but within the year hasn’t left us. stayed in the US for a couple of years he was back to Paris. Finally in 1985 the where he worked for the Army School of family returned to Istanbul. Contributed by Can and Ali Üstündağ 69 OBITUARIES
Emel Uras Deriş ACG 44 Emel Uras Deriş passed away peacefully, fine arts, she participated in a ceramics surrounded by her loved ones in her home workshop where she produced numerous in Erenköy, Istanbul on October 12, 2012. stylized works inspired by Anatolian art, Born in Istanbul at the dawn of the during their stay in the US between 1958 newly founded republic, of parents of and 1961. Georgian and East Anatolian origin, she remained true to her cultural heritage Endowed with remarkable intelligence while embracing the values of modernity of the heart and natural grace, she had throughout her life. the gift of seeing the beauty of the world and sharing it with her loved ones. She During her successful school years at never ceased to feel empathy for the ACG, she took part in the Drama Society less fortunate and always contributed to and played in Sophocles' Electra staged charitable works in her discrete modesty. by Muhsin Ertuğrul, on which occasion She will always be cherished for her she met her future husband, Neş'e Deriş kindness, compassion and forever RC 44. Married in 1947, they had three loving nature. children: Nur, Can and Gül. Gifted for the
Fethi Pirinçcioğlu RC 46 Fethi Pirinçcioğlu passed away on information on Turkey, he tackled this May 17, 2012. Born in Diyarbakır, his and gave advice to travelers to Turkey. father was Fevzi Pirinçcioğlu, Minister He presented a radio program promoting of Development and Construction Turkish travel, as well as providing news who served in the first cabinet with from Turkey. the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Kemal Atatürk. In 1931, the family Their daughter Yasemin was born in 1953 moved to Istanbul. in New York. When the family moved back to Turkey in 1954, Fethi formed As a child Fethi’s passion was sport – he the first tourism information office. He excelled at basketball, volleyball and initiated the institution of travel guides, soccer, leading the three school teams to pioneered the Turkish Guide Association glory. As a young man he met the current and encouraged his wife to become the belle of Istanbul, İnci Arkan, and decided first official guide in Turkey. management and luxury group travel, straight away to marry her. Their love the Pirinçcioğlus initiated ABC travel was legendary and a treasured story of Fethi was also involved in the with eight other partners. This later family reminiscence. Fethi was working inauguration of the first international formed VIP Tourism, the pioneering at Cumhuriyet Newspaper, and his Hilton hotel and was a founding member company in congress tourism and VIP- characteristically clever columns were of SKAL in Turkey, the international style group travel. The company played a the subject of much public interest. tourism friendship club. In 1957 their huge role in developing tourism between second child Ceylan was born and the Turkey and the US and became a legend Their first son, Ateş, lived only five days family went back to the US, as Fethi in congress tourism around the world. and doctors told them they could have believed further promotion for Turkey In its 45th year, VIP Tourism currently no more children. Receiving news that was needed; he strongly believed that continues under the management of they could, in fact, have further children tourism would be the future of his Ceylan and Yasemin Pirinçcioğlu. in the US, the couple responded with country’s income. After four years in enthusiasm, each applying for places at New York they returned in 1961. Fethi Notwithstanding his remarkable life American universities. İnci became the was active in PR, becoming a founding and achievements, his most important first ever international Fulbright scholar member of the Public Relations titles were role model father and and went to Colombia, while Fethi won a Association and working at BP Turkey as much beloved grandfather to five place at New York University. the PR Director. grandchildren: Emrecan, Selina and Fırat While studying, Fethi started working Pirinçcioğlu, and Kurt and Filiz Avunduk. at the Turkish Consulate as a press Seeing the need for a travel company officer. Realizing the need for tourism and developing a vision for congress Contributed by Ceylan Pirinçcioğlu 70 OBITUARIES
Sabahat Karahasan ACG 46 Sabahat Karahasan passed away on enjoyed her portrayal of Quasimodo on University she was also a devoted self- August 2, 2012 on Heybeli Island, Istanbul. Charter Day. proclaimed social worker and gave moral, She was one of the best students of professional and financial support to all the Class of ‘46, a very social person as Sabahat studied economics at the who needed it. She was much loved by her well as a sincere friend with a wonderful universities of Istanbul and Nottingham. family, friends and students and is survived sense of humor. She was very good She enjoyed Turkish music and American by three sons and five grandchildren. at doing impressions and she enjoyed jazz and was also a supporter of the acting, having played Antigone and the Turkish Society and Yeşilay. She not only Contributed by Viktorya Ovadya Kazez head chorus in Electra. All who knew her taught social service courses at İstanbul ACG 46
Nicholas Kamariotis Kamar RC ENG 46
The following obituary is from the from which he retired. "Nick" was a Philadelphia Inquirer. people person. He loved people and they loved him. He was “kind and generous to a Nicholas Kamariotis died on October 12, fault” said his wife. 2011. He was 87 years old. Nicholas was a Civil Engineer and an associate of the He is survived by his wife, Mary, McCormick-Taylor Engineering firm for daughter, Stacey Rohrbeck (Jeffrey); 32 years and Chief Project Engineer for son, Nicholas (Lori); 5 grandchildren, Veterans Stadium in South Philadelphia. nieces and nephews. He established his own engineering firm
Mehmet Ragıp Devres RC 49
always fascinated him. He was a man who friends, the late Nejat and Şakir admired imagination and innovation and, Eczacıbaşı brothers. with his love for knowledge and education, he provided countless anonymous After his graduation from ETH, Mehmet scholarships internationally. worked in Germany and then returned to Turkey to complete his military service. His close friends called him the walking He then worked throughout Turkey with encyclopedia, though his scrabble buddies his father, where he built roads, dams, called him the amazing dictionary. He had bridges, and US bases. a great appreciation for etymology, which fuelled his success with any word game, In 1960, he married Gülten Açıkalın, especially the famous New York Times daughter of the late ambassador Mehmet crossword puzzles. (Cevat) Açıkalın and Rukiye Açıkalın. Apparently, Gülten refused to marry him A patron of archeology, he contributed unless he learned some proper dance Mehmet Ragıp Devres passed away on to many excavations internationally and steps, for which he went back to one of his April 22, 2012. The only child of Ragıp locally. A "Friend of Aphrodisias," he also favorite teachers at RC; Mr. Nadolsky. and Selma Devres, Mehmet was born on continued his father’s legacy in supporting June 10, 1930 in Beyoğlu. He spent his the Side Museum, the Apollon Temple, and In his spare time, he loved collecting childhood in Bebek, and attended Robert digs in the greater Antalya area. stamps, reading, sailing and snorkeling off College as the youngest student in his his beautiful mahogany boat, the Likya. class. Loved by his peers and teachers, he His passion for the arts extended to went on to study Civil Engineering at the classical music and opera and Mehmet He is survived by his wife of 51 years, his Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule was also one of the founders of the son Ragıp, his daughter Rukiye and his Zürich (ETH, Class of 1954) but kept Istanbul Kültür ve Sanat Vakfı (IKSV) four grand-children, Selma, Suzan, Leyla close to the world of archeology, which under the leadership of his good and Altan Mehmet. 71 OBITUARIES
Sabri Şatır RC 49 home. I have always been jealous of those Richard Wagner - Opera’dan Müzikli who were members of that group, namely Drama, among others. Nuri Cerrahoğlu, Bülent Öktem, Özer Esen, Aslan Ersoy and Haluk Kilimci, He later directed his passion for learning to name a few. and research towards philosophy and wrote about this in considerable depth. Thirty of us from Robert College met (Başlangıçta Bilgisizlik ve Korku Vardı, up in Ankara to fulfill our military Düşünmenin Öyküsü, Buda - Suyun service together. During those days he Üzerindeki Lotus) would regularly travel to Izmir and I was always curious why he went there. He spoke English extremely well and I understood a few months later when whenever he visited London there was he introduced Ayşe. only one place that we could possibly meet; Foyles bookshop. It was a joy to Sabri and Ayşe, Fatoş and I became a listen to him and I consider myself very glorious quartet, often joining other lucky indeed to have had the opportunity mutual school friends. We all shared a to have experienced countless Sabri Şatır, passed away on June 17, 2012. passion to think critically and to conduct conversations with him. I don't know if the Before WWII, as a young boy, I befriended research. Sabri was able to develop his world will ever experience someone quite Sabri. Throughout those difficult years multi dimensional personality due to like Sabri ever again. amidst the imposed wartime blackouts the education Robert College gave him. we studied together and received our He was always interested in music. His Sabri Şatır is survived by his wife Ayşe diplomas in Albert Long Hall. Upon passion incorporated classical Turkish Şatır, his children Esra Şatır and Figen graduation he went with a group of school music and jazz, opera and new hybrid Köprülü – Mustafa Köprülü RC 79 and his friends to study at Wharton where they melodies and tunes and he collected all grandchild Tarçın Köprülü. rented a house and effectively created his thoughts into books such as Operada a vibrant intellectual home away from Gerçekçilik ve Beş Gerçekçi Opera and Contributed by Nuyan Yiğit RC 48
M. Jack Ohanian RC ENG 56 M. Jack Ohanian, former associate dean 2001 as Professor Emeritus. for research and administration and Jack was also active in Professional professor of nuclear and radiological Organizations, especially the American engineering, died on October 31, 2011 at Nuclear Society, where he was a member the age of 78. for 50 years and served as President from 1990-1991. Jack also served as chair of Photo and excerpts courtesy of The the American Association of Engineering Independent Florida Alligator and The Societies (AAES). Gainsville Sun. Jack was appointed by the Governor of Ohanian, who retired in 2001, was a Florida to be on the Board of Directors professor emeritus of nuclear and of the Florida Institute of Phosphate radiological engineering and a passionate Research and served that position for nine supporter of nuclear power. years. He was also a member of many professional societies and was a member He served the University of Florida for 38 of the Rotary Club for almost 40 years. years in many different positions including Professor, Department Chairman, Assoc. Jack wrote over 60 technical publications Dean for Research, Interim VP for on Nuclear Engineering and after retiring, for his professional accomplishments Research, Dean of the Graduate School wrote many articles that were published Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years, for the University and Interim Dean for in newspapers promoting Nuclear Power. Sandy, his daughters, Heather Allen and the College of Engineering. Jack retired in Jack was listed in Who's Who in America Holly Welty and his four grandchildren. 72 OBITUARIES
Alp Evrenol RC 59
Alp Evrenol passed away on June 28, His passion for the sea and sailing 2012. RC had a significant role in shaping nurtured his free soul and until the day he Alp’s character and he was a proud departed from among us he delighted in alumnus just like his mother Berceste sailing his boat “MO”, and leading a life in (Selek) Anter ACG 31, his sister Ülkü harmony with nature. (Evrenol) Kolatan ACG 52, and his brother Önder Evrenol RC YÜK 57, among others Contributed by Mehpare Evrenol of his family. After RC he continued his higher education in civil engineering. Two Excerpt from Nedim Göknil's (RC YÜK 65) years later, he transferred to Stuttgart eulogy to his friend of 60 years: Technical University and graduated with a Master of Engineering and Architecture Inspired by Hamlet I say ALP EVRENOL, degree. His life-long friendships with his Ankara Altınoran, Antepia, Ottomare a man, noble in reason, infinite in most dearest friends were established during Suites, Bosphorus City, Bursa Modern faculties, in form and moving always his high school year. and İstanbul Sarayları to life. His admirable, a friend of sixty years, a source perfectionism, an inseparable part of his of many memories, from childish pranks From 1979-1990, he worked as the founding character, was reflected in his work in an to adult experiences, is NO MORE... partner and project manager of Mimarlar effortlessly distinguishable manner. A.Ş., then was the architectural project All I want to do is raise my glass to my manager at Mimarlar-Workshop Ltd. Şti., The meticulous care he placed in the lips and drink to that wonderful, charming, of which he was a founding partner raising of his sons Can and Mete was smart, witty person called ALP EVRENOL together with his beloved life companion also reflected in the care he felt for the and say let all the GODS, (Mayan, and business partner Mehpare Evrenol. hundreds of young architects who worked Indian, Egyptian, Greek, Norse and all in his company, making him a teacher of the rest) BLESS YOU... You were special He brought numerous grand scale great integrity both in his personal life my friend... projects such as Akasya-Acıbadem, and in his profession.
Selahattin Sabuncuoğlu RC 59
his cheerful character and his strong Neşoş, and his grandchildren Emre, Memo ethics and values always attracted people. and Esra, who all miss him terribly. He Even in the few years he lived in New York was a true friend to all his friends, and with his family, he made many friends who widely noticed and respected whenever remained lifelong ones. To this day, these he walked into a room. friends remember him fondly, when they go to a good restaurant and at bridge or His motto was to live a life of good quality, backgammon tournaments. even if it was short, which is what he did. He passed away peacefully after a fulfilled He loved the sea and being on his boat, and wonderful life, having touched deeply especially in Göcek. His enthusiasm and all his friends and family. love of life was contagious. He was the He is survived by his wife Rabia first person his friends sought advice Sabuncuoğlu ACG 66, his daughters from about anything related to the sea, Hande Erenler RC 87 and Neşe Çelebi RC whether it was about buying a boat or 88 and three grandchildren. seeking advice about which bays to go to. Selahattin Sabuncuoğlu passed away on We all miss you very much. In other April 3, 2012. Selo, as he was known to His most precious moments were sipping words, we love you. his friends enjoyed life with good food, whiskey while watching the sunset on the jazz, dance, bridge and backgammon, and deck of his boat with his beloved Rabuşka Contributed by Rabia Sabuncuoğlu, watching sunsets on his boat. next to him, and dancing elegantly to the Hande Erenler and Neşe Çelebi music of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. He was grateful for the wonderful life he had; he cherished his family and good He was an exceptional husband, father friends. He made friends easily and kept and grandfather. He was devoted to his them for a lifetime. His sense of humor, wife Rabuşka, his daughters Handuş and 73 OBITUARIES
Ayşegül Güre RC 61 Aysegül Güre RC 61 passed away on August 4, 2012 in Bodrum where she had been living for the past three decades. She will be missed by her classmates.
Gültekin Orhon RA 61
Gültekin help, giving hope, giving confidence. He a project consultant he worked in many Orhon always felt responsible for his thoughts, countries (Europe, Middle East, Russia passed away for his behavior, for his surrounding, for and Turkic countries). He was one of the on June his environment, for others and for the founders of the private resort Bizimköy 1, 2012 in future. He believed in people. and many years an active board member Istanbul at of Kuzguncuklular Derneği. the age of He was a great teacher, having the 70 while endless joy to show, tell, demonstrate, Suddenly diagnosed of a severe disease, very young guide, describe, question, discuss. He he passed away in a very short period of and full of shared his know-how with endless people time, yet was always very positive and life with an (people from very different generations, strong. He will always be present in our unceasing backgrounds, classes or cultures) lives and in our vivid memories. energy to resonating with them, sharing their share his knowledge with others and to language, sharing their history. His blogs can still be visited at www.orhon. learn from them. wordpress.com and www.gultekinorhon. After Talas American College he wordpress.com. If I didn’t have to write this memorial graduated from Robert College. He for him, I would ask his advice to better received his second Master's Degree Contributed by his daughter formulate my thoughts and feelings. in Business Administration at Boston Ayşe Orhon He was a generous man, giving University. As the director of Yol Yapı, as knowledge, giving experience, giving project manager at Üçgen İnşaat and as
İsmail Faik Başar RC 63 İsmail Faik Başar passed away on Upon returning to Turkey, he served as an December 2, 2011 due to a heart attack. international relations manager. It was an unexpected departure, as he had no health issues. Some years ago, Faik once said, “I always envied the a colleague said “Faik Bey, guys like insurance broker sitting on the other us never retire, we just expire,” which side of my desk, bargaining for the terms became true as he worked until the v and rates and I decided to jump over the ery last day of his life. He was making desk and became a broker”. In 1973 he future plans and his agenda was full started his own company and became of appointments. the second insurance and reinsurance broker in Turkey. Throughout the years Faik was born in Istanbul. He was a he controlled major energy accounts like hard-working, disciplined and successful Botaş, Tüpraş and Petkim. student. He started his career at BP Turkey the Turkish market. He was a quiet, kind, as a trainee while still a student at Robert He was a workaholic but was never noble, well respected man and will be Academy. In 1964 he started working for interested in how much money he made. missed greatly. TAM Sigorta A.Ş. and became a marine He just enjoyed winning new accounts manager. He married Nalan in 1970 and and the happiness could be seen in his He is survived by his wife Nalan, his son was sent to AIG headquarters in New York eyes. Faik was also good at finding new Vedat and grandson Efe. for training within the same year. His talents in the London insurance market. training continued in London and Munich. He introduced many London brokers to Contributed by Vedat Başar 74 OBITUARIES
Mehmet Dirisu RA 64
Mehmet Dirisu passed away on showed up with an almost mutilated hard August 26, 2012. guitar-case. Inside was his 'Black Twin'. I was so amazed and overwhelmed by His friend Mehmet Şahinbaş shared this unexpected get-together. It was like the following: meeting a precious part of my past after so many years! “I brought it for you, do Two Mehmets you remember?” he asked. Two black guitars, identical twins. Bought almost within the same week, This encounter was predestined, as I at Beyoğlu. believe now. Mehmet passed away. But Some 54 years ago... I now have his 54 year old black guitar - in my possession. Whenever I play Our music circle started discovering something on 'his' black guitar, he will new guitar ventures as we used every surely be looking over my shoulder with opportunity to sound like something his big smile and a rich twinkle in his eyes. and someone, among the bunk beds of 40 years later, as I was planning an I want him to enjoy. our dormitories. We made lots of music easy-going retirement, a joyful Mehmet together, from glee-club to pop, but after re-introduced me to his kind of lifestyle Memo, I will never be ‘’whole’’ again, as Lise Graduation, our ways parted, as - always “Don't Worry, Be Happy”, with a one part of me will always be with you. “life” introduced itself and I gradually lost big, warm smile. We started to make music Just remember; you took it and you bring contact with Mehmet. My 'black twin' was again in his combo “The Friends”, and it it back every time I pluck on your 'Black by then long gone and forgotten... was fun! In one of our last encounters, he Twin'! Let all lights up there shine on you.
Kleopatra Aymeloğlu Kallifrona ACG 67
Kleopatra Kallifrona passed away in reasons. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer Athens on June 10, 2012, after a battle got a job as Alexandros says Klea never gave up with multiple sclerosis and ovarian cancer. a translator throughout all those struggles. She had She is survived by her husband Mikis and then attended a large group of friends who were there sons Angelos and Alexandros. computer for her and her aunt Zizika was like a courses and second mother. Alexandros said, "She was When I look back, candor, kindness, tact forged ahead always brave and happy in spite of all the and tenderness are some of the marked in computer problems and she was always surrounded attributes of Klea's. We first met in Mrs. programming. by people who loved and embraced Watters’ math class and were classmates Her expertise her dearly." throughout our years at ACG. Our last helped her get-together on the Arnavutköy campus get a good Her son said, "She didn't have another was in 1992, at our 25th reunion. In the position in the IT department of the chance to visit Istanbul after 1992 but she years that followed, we kept in touch. She Lever Company, where she worked for always saved a special place in her heart always enjoyed news of our alma mater, many years. for Halki (Heybeliada), where she spent but our favorite subject was always our the most beautiful summers as a child!" sons, of course. She married Mikis Kallifronas in 1979 and had two sons Angelos (1981) and Contributed by Müberra Ekemen After ACG, Klea moved to Greece with Alexandros (1982). She was diagnosed ACG 67 her family. She went to law school with MS in 1984 and was confined to a but couldn't graduate due to financial wheelchair in 2000. Six years later, she 75 OBITUARIES
Ali Özlük RA 70 Prof.Dr. Ali Erhan Özlük passed away on in teaching, research and service. His Knightly writes March 1, 2012. success in the classroom is best conveyed that these in the words of his students, one of whom great honors He always seemed to have something to said‚ ‘Özlük is the calculus God! He is an represented talk about with all age groups, aged 7 to excellent teacher. He is very clear and a crowning 70. He felt comfortable and was successful concise about what needs to be known. I achievement in with all ethnic backgrounds and religions. want him for all my math classes.’’’ Ali’s career and He had a great sense of humor and he that he also understood almost every science. He Knightly added that Ali spent much of his authored or respected all living creatures and was a life thinking deeply about mathematics and co-authored 18 great humanitarian. He was often asked did important research in analytic number publications of for advice for solutions in a variety of theory and its impact on the field. He wrote high quality. situations. He freely used and shared his that in recognition of all the work Özlük did intelligence and never bragged about his in mathematics he was invited to chair a He was a phenomenon and a true accomplishments. He was the world’s most session at the 1998 International Congress gentleman and will be missed greatly. Ali humble mathematical genius. of Mathematics in Berlin. The next year Özlük is survived by his sister Gülgün Özlük Peter Sarnak invited him to present his and his nephews and nieces Mert, Elvan, His colleague A. Knightly at the University results at an international workshop at Alphan, and Alpkan. of Maine, where Ali Özlük taught, added, the prestigious Mathematical Sciences “Ali was an exemplary university professor Research Institute in Berkeley, California. Contributed by Mert Alp Merin Tezal Çomu RC 82 Merin Tezal Medicine in 1988. She received her studying at Işık College. We will all miss Çomu passed MA in Internal Medicine from Marmara her. Now Merin is sleeping in Zekeriyaköy away on April University. In 1994 she joined the in her new silent world. 27, 2012. Born International Hospital of Istanbul where in Istanbul she worked over 15 years, and where Contributed by her husband Sinan Çomu in 1964, she she reunited with Dr. Sinan Çomu, her and her parents Kudret and Aynur. graduated classmate and future husband. from Istanbul University They got married in 1997 and had two School of children, Oktay and Sibel, who are Bige Akdeniz RC 91 Bige passed away on July 24, 2012. After Bige was also a gifted singer. Her interest graduating from Robert College, Bige in music went way back to her years studied economics at Vassar College in at Robert College, where she took on New York. In 1997, she was one of the first the leading role for the musical Mikado. graduates of the Cinema and TV masters During her collaboration with American program at Bilgi University and published keyboardist Kevin Moore, she appeared "The Ebbs and Flows of Turkish Cinema on four different albums: Ghost Book, in the 90's", one of the first academic Graveyard Mountain Home, Free and articles on the topic. Bige founded and Shine. Ghost Book and Shine are both managed a cinematheque at Bilgi, called soundtracks to the Turkish movies Okul "Bilgi'de Sinema". This made a significant and Küçük Kıyamet respectively. She contribution to Istanbul's cultural life, as it had the voice of an angel. Her voice on was one of the first of its kind where one Chroma Key songs like "Come In, Over" lives. During her last act, she once again could catch rare, alternative movies. She and "True and Lost" not to mention the is one of the firsts among our classmates was also one of the first chief-editors and OSI song "Old War" and without doubt reminding us to stay true to ourselves and film critics of Beyazperde.com, penning "Shine" will forever comfort all of us. pursue our ambitions in life. With her always articles for Hayalet Gemi and contributing bright smile, she is now shining in heaven. to various documentaries. She finally Bige had been fighting cancer since 2009. took an academic position at Bahçeşehir She had the courage to be 'first' in many Contributed by Ebru Güvenir and Sertaç University Faculty of Communications. things that touched and changed others Uysal RC 91 76 OBITUARIES
Alp Alkaş RC 03 Alp’s departure is our first loss from sportsmanship. He grew up to be a the Class of 2003, and it came just shy successful businessman – but he always of our 10th reunion. The overwhelming remained our red-cheeked friend. gravity of our grief is beyond words. It is way too early for us to already lose a The Class of 2003 stands wounded by dear friend; and at the young age of 27, the insurmountable loss, but proud it was way too early for Alp to breathe to have known and loved Alp as an his last breath. His death came not only irreplaceable class member and friend. too soon but also too suddenly. Alp leaves behind a class that will never be quite complete without his presence We cherish Alp’s memory as a daring, at our reunions in the years to come. aspiring individual with a candid smile. Always keen to lead by example, There is one sentence Alp had a habit often the first one to take a risk and of saying to those dear to him, and ever-eager to support his peers, Alp now is our time to say it back: “You’ll approached all his endeavors with pure never walk alone.” Where ever you are passion. His mere presence made one walking now, you are walking through feel peaceful and happy, and there our thoughts and hearts. On November 2, 2012, our dear friend was no end to pleasant conversations Alp Alkaş lost his life to a sudden and exuberant laughter with Alp We already miss you. The world of RC condition in his home in London, and in the room. will never be the same without you. on November 8 we said goodbye to Alp in tears at Neve Shalom Synagogue It became apparent to all of us from Class of 2003 in Istanbul. He now lies in the Jewish the time we met him in the classroom Cemetery in Arnavutköy, not far from in Prep that Alp was not only a smart “Özsıfırüç Ailesi” the RC campus where we all came to thinker but also a smart doer. He had know and love him. the intelligence, the looks, and the
Ahmet Sezer Ahmet Sezer passed away on in his early 80's. He also dedicated August 9, 2012 at the age of 86. He himself to training young athletes with was a librarian at Robert College’s boys' much success. campus between 1955 and 1978 and was a vital part of the campus life His beloved wife Bedia Sezer died in 1981 during those years. He cared deeply and he never remarried. He is survived by about the students and Robert College. his daughter, artist Gonca Sezer.
Ahmet Sezer was also a dedicated athlete. Those who know him will remember him
FACULTY & FRIENDS OBITUARIES He ran in many international runners' for his quiet and determined demeanor competitions and won prizes for Turkey with love and pride in their hearts. May he in the Balkans, South Africa, Germany rest in peace. and Greece. He continued to run into his old age and won competitions even Contributed by Gonca Sezer