07/08/2025
20 Years Through Semih Bilen's Eyes
Semih Bilen, the leader of the team that has promoted our university to countless families and students throughout Turkey for nearly 20 years, shared with us some of the funny memories he's experienced, his feelings about the university, and his hopes for the future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself? How long have you been at Sabancı University? Could you tell us about your work?
I'm Semih Bilen. I've been on Sabancı University's promotion team since December 2007. I've worked at every level of the unit: as an assistant specialist, a specialist, and since 2020, the Promotion Team Leader. But regardless of my position, I carry out my duties with the same enthusiasm I had on my first day. As the promotion team, we see ourselves as the outward face of the university. Throughout the year, wherever we are—on campus, in Istanbul, or beyond—we share our university's vision, mission, and quality of education with the high school students we meet. Therefore, we are aware of our responsibility.
As an employee of Sabancı University, how would you describe the difference of working at this institution?
Working at Sabancı University isn't just a job; it's also about being part of a vision. Working in an environment where a student-centered, interdisciplinary, and liberal education system, aimed at transforming the understanding of higher education in Turkey, is both professionally and personally nourishing. As the promotion unit, we bear the great responsibility and privilege of conveying this vision and innovative approach to the right audiences in the right language. Communicating the university's strong academic structure, global integration, and student experience to a wider audience means, in a sense, contributing to the future of Turkey's education.
During your time at Sabancı University, is there any interesting memory or detail you'd like to share about our university?
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that a short book could be written with the fascinating memories I've had over the years at Sabancı University. Being in the field at a time when technology, communication, and promotional tools are rapidly evolving is a story in itself. But some are truly unforgettable. In Adıyaman, the navigation system directed us to a streambed in the middle of the night. In Malatya, we had to walk down 14 floors after misunderstanding the fire escape at a hotel. In Zonguldak, I handed over my card to pay the bill, and the waiter withdrew cash from an ATM. It took me a while to realize what had happened. :) In Kars, the roof fell right in front of our car, and in Izmir, we realized we'd forgotten our luggage only after arriving in Aydın. Each one turned out to be both stressful and humorous. But all these journeys were made to share the story of Sabancı University with more people. Looking back now, I'm so grateful for every memory.
As you know, our University is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. May we have your 25th anniversary message?
25 years may not seem like a very long time for a university. As our Founding President Tosun Terzioğlu often stated, a university begins to mature when the number of its graduates exceeds the number of its active students. Sabancı University crossed this threshold approximately five years ago. However, when we look at its current standing, we can easily say that it has made significant progress in 25 years, in terms of the quality of its students, academic achievements, and its place in international rankings. It is a great pride for me to be a part of this development. For us, the 25th anniversary is not just a celebration; it also symbolizes a strong goal for the future. Sabancı University is at the top of the list in Turkey and is climbing higher globally. I believe acting with this awareness is the most appropriate approach, both in line with the spirit of this special year and our institutional vision
How would you describe the progress Sabancı University has made in 25 years, based on what you've observed and learned?
Sabancı University set out with the goal of bringing a new breath to higher education in Turkey, and it has delivered on this ambition. In my early years, as part of my promotional efforts, we had to explain in detail to high school students, families, teachers, and administrators what distinguished us, especially our freedom of program choice and interdisciplinary approach to education. Today, they are the ones telling us about these differences and expressing how valuable and invaluable they find them. Seeing this change and transformation, and being a part of it are truly powerful and inspiring.
What are your dreams and predictions for our university's next 25 years?
The vision Sabancı University has established in its first 25 years provides a strong foundation for the next 25 years. Looking to the future, I envision it becoming a reference university not only in Turkey but also globally. A university that brings its innovative approach to education to more students, creates a global impact with its research, and leads with projects that impact society. And while doing all of this, it maintains the values derived from its founding philosophy. Continuing to be a part of this vision and contributing to produce are one of my greatest personal motivations.
