Duygu Nahum RC 08 Appointed to Key Leadership Position at Kurtsan

Duygu is now the general manager responsible for commercial operations.

As of October 2025, Duygu Nahum has stepped into the role of  general manager responsible for commercial operations at Kurtsan.  A 70-year-old institution, Kurtsan continues to play a pioneering role in Turkey’s consumer health sector. Nahum values her role deeply, joining a distinguished line of  family members and professionals who have contributed to Kurtsan with dedication and rigor.

Nahum finds her role both meaningful and energizing, as it revolves around supporting people’s health every day.  Through brands like Otacı and Roll, she focuses on providing holistic solutions across individuals’ lifelong health journeys—science-led, nature-inspired, and technology-backed.

Nahum credits her time at RC as a significant asset to her professional life: “Beyond its reputation and esteem, the discipline and resilience I gained at RC have shaped my sense of responsibility, perseverance, and leadership—values that continue to guide my professional journey.”

Demir Karamancı RC 48

Demir Karamancı, one of Turkey’s most distinguished industrialists and the founder and honorary chairman of Karamancı Holding, passed away at the age of 97.

After graduating from Istanbul Robert College, Karamancı moved to the United States in 1948, where he pursued his studies at the University of Texas and later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Temple University. Upon returning to Turkey, he established Karamancı Holding and transformed it into one of the country’s leading industrial and export groups, with operations spanning textiles, pipes, roofing materials, energy, ready-to-wear apparel, and agricultural production. The group includes Orta Anadolu Tekstil, a long-established Kayseri-based company and one of Turkey’s prominent denim producers.

Widely known for his philanthropic commitment, Demir Karamancı was actively involved in numerous social initiatives and charitable causes. He was among the founders of several prominent institutions, including TÜSİAD, TEMA Foundation, Turkish Kidney Foundation, and the Yıldız Palace Foundation.

The Robert College community remembers him with respect and gratitude.

Ali Başak Karatay RC 61

We learned with sadness of the passing of Ali Başak Karatay on 24 November 2025.

A distinguished logician, philosopher, and educator, Ali Başak Karatay played an important role—together with Teo Grünberg—in introducing modern approaches to logic in Turkey. Born in Istanbul in 1941, he studied law at Istanbul University, where his growing interest in logic led him to Grünberg, who became a key intellectual influence. Despite having no formal training in philosophy or logic at the time, Karatay was admitted to the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned MAs in both philosophy and mathematics in 1971. He later joined the Algebra and Foundations of Mathematics program at UC Berkeley, then led by Alfred Tarski, before returning to Turkey for mandatory military service.

Between 1974 and 1987, Karatay taught mathematics and philosophy at Middle East Technical University and Boğaziçi University. He subsequently completed his PhD in Philosophy at Syracuse University in 1999 and joined the Philosophy Department at Boğaziçi University, where he continued to teach and mentor students even after his retirement in 2008.

Ali Başak Karatay was widely respected for his intellectual rigor, humility, and dedication to teaching. He is survived by his wife, Professor Canan Karatay, MD, and his son, Mehmet Karatay.

This notice was prepared with the contributions of colleagues and friends.
(Alp Eden RC ’76; Gürol Irzık RC ’73)

With condolences from the Robert College community.

Vilma Yüzbaşıyan Gürkan RC 74

We share with sadness the passing of Dr. Vilma Yüzbaşıyan Gürkan RC 74, who died in April 2025 due to medical complications following treatment for a recently discovered cancer. Her loss marks the departure of a distinguished scientist, a dedicated educator, and a beloved presence within the many communities she enriched throughout her life.

After graduating from Robert College in 1974, Vilma continued her studies in biochemistry and later moved to the United States, where she built a remarkable academic career. At Michigan State University, she served as a Professor in the Departments of Microbiology, Genetics & Immunology and Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Her pioneering research on zinc–copper interactions helped establish the standard treatment for copper toxicosis and played an important role in the early development of the Canine Genome Project. Her work provided foundational insights into the genetic basis of cancer, advancing both veterinary and human medicine.

Vilma’s contributions extended far beyond her research. She was a thoughtful and committed mentor who guided generations of graduate students with clarity, patience, and warmth. As Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies and long-time director of MSU’s Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, she was known for her leadership, integrity, and her ability to create supportive academic environments where students and colleagues alike could thrive. Those who worked with her often recalled her combination of intellectual rigor, compassion, humor, and her remarkable ability to make others feel genuinely valued.

Vilma is survived by her husband, Suat, and her son, Jonathan. She leaves behind a legacy of scientific achievement, mentorship, and humanity that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her absence will be deeply felt.

Robert College joins her family, friends, colleagues, and former students in honoring her memory with respect and gratitude.

Christopher Wadsworth, Head of School (1993-2001)

Christopher “Chris” Wadsworth, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22 at his home in Lexington, MA, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment, generosity, humor, and unwavering love for his family. Born in Boston on June 18, 1940 and raised in Winchester, MA by Phillip and Elizabeth Wadsworth, Chris grew up alongside his older sister, Virginia.

After attending Philips Andover Academy, Chris was accepted to Harvard University where he studied American History, played on the JV tennis team, sang with the Harvard Krokodiloes, and developed friendships that would last a lifetime.

Following graduation from Harvard, Chris spent a year as a teaching fellow in history at Philips Andover and then returned to Harvard for six years, first in the Office of Admissions and later as an assistant dean in the Freshman Dean’s Office. During this time, he also obtained master’s degrees in history and education.

As a youthful 29 year old, Chris took on his first leadership role in education, becoming Head of School at Nichols School in Buffalo, New York, where he served from 1969-1979. Following his tenure at Nichols, he returned to the Boston area with his young family to take over as Head of School at Belmont Hill School from 1979–1993.

A six month sabbatical from Belmont Hill spent backpacking around the world spurred an interest in international education, and Chris left Belmont Hill to become the Head of School at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey from 1993-2001, and eventually became the first Executive Director of the International Boys’ School Coalition from 2001-2006. In his retirement, Chris served on several nonprofit boards, including Cape Cod Academy, the International School of Boston, the Dennis Conservation Land Trust, Cape Cod Museum of Art and the Mashantum Tennis Club.

Chris married the love of his life, Lori, with whom he shared a devoted and joyful partnership for sixty-two years. Together, they raised two children, Benjamin (Benj) and Thomas (Tim) each of whom he supported with enthusiasm, guidance, and unconditional love. To his family and friends, Chris was a source of wisdom, humor, quiet strength, and genuine warmth. He was the person people turned to for steady advice, thoughtful conversation, or a good laugh.

An avid athlete, outdoorsman and musician, Chris excelled at tennis and squash throughout his adult life; indulged his passion for fly fishing with annual trips to Montana and Idaho, and countless days on his beloved Cape Cod Bay, not far from the house he built in Dennis; and pursued his love of Dixieland Jazz as a banjo player with the Dixie Diehards, performing throughout the Boston area well into his later years.

Chris is remembered for his honesty, his discipline, his kindness, and the respect he showed every person he met. Above all, he is remembered for the love he gave to his wife, his children, and all those fortunate enough to know him. He lived a life of purpose, integrity and generosity, and those who loved him will forever carry the gifts of his example.

Chris is survived by his sister, Virginia Wadsworth Pomeroy, his wife Lori Dingman Wadsworth, his son Benjamin Wadsworth and long-time partner Kimberly Shavender, his son Tim Wadsworth, and his daughter-in-law Lenore Kitani. He is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of life is planned for March 8, 2026 at 2:00 at the Belmont Hill School at 350 Prospect St in Belmont MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Chris’s memory to the Dennis Conservation Land Trust (dennisconservationlandtrust.org) or Belmont Hill School (belmonthill.org).

Mete Meleksoy RC 84

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Mete Meleksoy RC ’84, who died unexpectedly on November 12, 2025. A respected leader in Turkey’s education and civil society sectors, Mete touched countless lives through his commitment to opportunity, integrity, and service.

After graduating from Robert College, Mete studied Political Science at Boğaziçi University and later completed his master’s degree at Marmara University’s Institute of European Union Studies. His career spanned both the public and private sectors, including roles in the European Commission’s Brussels and Ankara offices, investment banking, and international relations.

From 2006 to 2013, Mete served as the Secretary General of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO). In 2014, he became the General Manager of the Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation (TEGV), where he led transformative programs aimed at expanding educational opportunities for children across Turkey. During his tenure, he strengthened the organization’s institutional capacity, broadened its volunteer network, and championed the principle of equal access to quality education.

Colleagues and friends remember Mete as a warm, thoughtful, and visionary leader—a person who approached every interaction with sincerity, humility, and purpose. His dedication to public good, his deep belief in the power of education, and his generous spirit left an enduring impact on all who worked with him.

Mete Meleksoy will be remembered for his kindness, his steady leadership, and his unwavering commitment to children’s education.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Robert College community.

He will be profoundly missed.

Zeynep Yalım Uzun RC 86 Joins Fenerbahçe Sports Club Board

“Passion drives sports, but professionalism sustains it.”

A seasoned executive and a lifelong Fenerbahçe fan, Uzun is committed to making sports a more inclusive arena.

How involved were you in sports at RC? 

I was quite active at RC — maybe not the star athlete, but definitely a spirited participant! The Plateau was a fantastic place where I would often go running with my best friend, Dilara Göksel. We even participated at one of the first Avrasya Marathons) as one of the few young women running. RC, with its many sports facilities, encouraged me at an early age to express myself with sports. I was also a licensed  sailor. 

What influenced your decision to join the Board of the new Fenerbahçe administration?

It was a mix of passion and purpose. As a lifelong Fenerbahçe fan, I have enjoyed being a dedicated  spectator .I felt this was a moment when sports clubs needed to evolve — to bring in new perspectives on governance, brand building, digitalization, and social impact. I also believe that greater female representation and diversity can help the sports world advance in a positive way. So when President Sadettin  Saran offered me the opportunity to join his team, I saw it as a chance to serve the club I love, while contributing my leadership and marketing experience to help shape a more modern, inclusive, and future-ready Fenerbahçe.

What added value and skills can people from non-sports-related careers bring to sports clubs?

A great deal actually! Modern sports clubs are complex organizations, needing strategic thinking, brand management, financial discipline, community building, and digital innovation, not just athletic excellence. People from different professional backgrounds bring diverse lenses that can strengthen the club’s institutional foundations. Passion drives sports, but professionalism sustains it.

What are your observations about sports club management so far? Have there been any surprises or unexpected aspects to the role?

What has surprised me most is the intensity of emotion. In business, we talk about brand love; here, we  live it every day. Every decision is felt instantly by millions of people. That level of engagement is both the biggest challenge and the biggest privilege.

The level of professionalism behind the scenes is also impressive — the dedication of our teams, the volunteer spirit and commitment  of the Board, and the shared ambition to make Fenerbahçe a club that not only wins but leads by example.

Ebru Köksal RC 86 Leads In Creating A More Equitable Football Industry

Ebru Köksal RC 86 Leads In Creating A More Equitable Football Industry

“Sports has an extraordinary power to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity and redefine what leadership looks like.”

Ebru Köksal is a non executive director (NED), working with a range of organisations across public, private and voluntary sectors and also the chair of the international NGO Women in Football. She was Turkey’s first female CEO of a men’s football club, namely Galatasaray.

Any memories from the times you played basketball at RC?

I remember vividly the sense of belonging and the camaraderie that sports created. Mr. Cameron and Mr. Phillips taught us discipline and teamwork, but also resilience, how to bounce back after a loss, how to show up for each other no matter what. From our class, we were eight members on the team and we are still closest friends for life.

Your career includes many sports-related firsts. Which of these have been particularly fulfilling for you, and why?

Becoming the first female CEO of a men’s football club in Turkey and one of the first in Europe was both the most challenging and the most fulfilling milestone of my career. Leading Galatasaray was an incredible honour but also a profound test of resilience and courage. It opened the door for other women to aspire to leadership roles in football and breaking barriers in a traditionally male dominant industry remains one of my greatest sources of pride.

Being the “first” or the “only” one has never been what mattered most, ensuring that you are not the “last” is the real legacy. 

Equally fulfilling has been my work with Women in Football, a UK-based NGO with over 12,000 members worldwide. Through our leadership programmes and advocacy, we help women develop their skills, thrive in football and reach senior roles, building a more inclusive and equitable industry for generations to come.

How did RC impact your leadership journey?

The school’s emphasis on critical thinking, community service and forward thinking laid the foundation for my leadership style. I learned to challenge norms respectfully, to lead with integrity and to value collaboration over competition. These principles have guided me through every boardroom and strategic role in my career.

In what ways can sports contribute to gender equality?

When women are visible as players, coaches, executives and leaders of sports organizations, they inspire a new generation to believe that anything is possible.

What advice would you give to RC students or graduates considering a career in sports management?

If you’re passionate about sports and curious about the business behind it, sports management can be an incredibly dynamic career. My advice: start by understanding the whole ecosystem from athletes to governing bodies, media to sponsors. The industry needs visionary leaders, who combine business acumen with purpose and heart and I believe RC graduates are uniquely equipped to rise to that challenge. Barriers exist to be broken. If you love the game, there’s always a way to make your entry and leave your lasting mark.

Alp Yalman

Don’t miss this conversation with Alp Yalman RC 59 as he reflects on Robert College and a lifetime shaped by sport and leadership.

The Dave Phillips Memorial Game: Friendship Above the Scoreboard

One of the most anticipated traditions of Homecoming, the Dave Phillips Memorial Game, once again filled the Nejat Eczacıbaşı Gym with energy, laughter, and nostalgia.

Around 40 alumni took to the court — some showing flashes of their old form, others relying more on heart than speed — but all united by the same RC spirit. Split into two teams and refereed by PE Teacher and Athletic Director Mauricio Araya Gonçalves, the game unfolded in four lively quarters. Kaan Kural RC 92, the unmistakable voice of RC basketball, kept the crowd entertained with his spirited commentary and good humor.

The Blue Team technically won by four points — though, in truth, no one will ever remember the score. What everyone will remember is the laughter, the camaraderie, and the joy of seeing old teammates reconnect where it all began.