Encouraging the Next Generation of Artists

Since 2006, the RC 97 Art Scholarship in Memory of Özlem Akçakuş has enabled art-oriented RC students to take part in summer workshops around the world, experiences that leave a lasting mark on how they see their work and their future.

This year’s recipients, Ayliz Çıldır and Zeynep Su Bayam, were both accepted to the Summer Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Their works have been on view in the Gould Corridor since November in a small but thoughtful exhibition. While Zeynep Su works primarily with artist books and Ayliz with illustration, their practices meet in a quiet dialogue – playful, inventive, and carefully considered.

Reflecting on the scholarship, RC Art Department Head Alex Downs notes its role in encouraging students to explore beyond familiar boundaries. Established by Özlem Akçakuş’s family and classmates in honor of her love for art, the scholarship continues to open new paths for young artists at RC – quietly, steadily, and with lasting impact.

Returning to the Heart of RC

After many years away from the spotlight, we first reconnected with Ergün Kırlıkovalı RA 70 earlier this year. An entrepreneur whose journey from Robert College to global innovation reflects the lasting power of curiosity and education, he returned to campus as a guest speaker. Following a gathering hosted so generously by him and his wife in November, this time the meeting took place where it perhaps mattered most: on campus, with students. During his visit, Ergün Kırlıkovalı spent nearly a full day at Robert College, meeting with faculty and staff and, above all, engaging with students. His talk, “Ignite Your Genius: The Creative and Innovative Business Is Already in Your Head,” sparked a wide-ranging conversation around ideas, opportunity, and creative thinking. He speaks often at universities around the world, yet he remarked that RC students stood out as one of the most intellectually sharp audiences he has encountered – curious, direct, and unafraid to ask difficult questions. The exchange was lively, demanding, and deeply rewarding on both sides. Alumni were also invited to the talk, and it was especially moving to see classmates from the Class of 70 seated in the front row – there to listen, ReConnect, and show their support. We are excited to share that Ergün Kırlıkovalı will be returning to campus this spring. His next visit will be announced in due course.

Two Cities – One RC Community

The semester break offered a chance to reconnect – first in London, then in Boston – as Robert College leadership spent time with alumni across generations, geographies, and very different life stages. Our annual London AlumNight brought together more than 200 graduates, from RC 67 to RC 25, at Beaufort House. The evening was generously sponsored by Fırat İşbecer RC 98, whose support helped sustain what has become a long-standing London tradition.

Beyond the gathering itself, the London visit included a series of one-on-one meetings with community members, allowing for focused conversations and genuine exchange. We were also warmly hosted by the Ambassador of Türkiye in London, Koray Ertaş, whose hospitality we gratefully acknowledge.

For many alumni – particularly those from earlier generations – the visit carried an added sense of closeness. Spending time once again with Head of School Whitman Shepard and his wife, Bengü Shepard, brought back memories of campus life and underscored the continuity that remains central to the RC experience.

In Boston, nearly 70 alumni and friends gathered at the Harvard Faculty Club, despite a major winter storm forecast for the region. We were honored by the presence of Diğdem Buner, Consul General of Türkiye in Boston, whose attendance added a special note to the evening.

Board Chair Erol Hakanoğlu RC 74, Trustee Prof. Cemal Kafadar RC 73, Head of School Whitman Shepard, and Academic Dean Maura Kelly reconnected with alumni from different generations, many of whom have long-standing academic and personal ties to Boston. As in London, conversations unfolded easily – rooted in shared history and enhanced through continued engagement.

 

Coast-to-Coast ReConnections

In November, our AlumNights tour carried the Robert College spirit from coast to coast and it was an unforgettable journey. From San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego to New York City, alumni gathered to reconnect with the RC energy that continues to link generations. Board Chair Erol Hakanoğlu RC 74 and Head of School Whitman Shepard joined the tour, with each event made possible through the generosity of an alumnus.

The series included an AlumNight at Dalida Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco, hosted by owner and award-winning chef Sayat Özyılmaz RC 04; a luncheon hosted by Ergün Kırlıkovalı RA 70; a dinner in San Diego hosted by Hüseyin Tığlı RA 71; and an AlumNight at the Penn Club of New York.

AlumNights in both San Francisco and New York City reached record attendance this year: we welcomed nearly 100 alumni in San Francisco and about 150 in New York City. Our heartfelt thanks to all alumni who showed up and ReConnected!

ReConnecting at Homecoming 2025

Homecoming 2025 brought the Robert College spirit vividly to life once again. With 539 alumni returning to campus from near and far, this year’s theme – ReConnect – resonated deeply across every corner of the hill.

The day was filled with reunions and milestones: from the RC 75 Golden Reunion luncheon to the 100th anniversary gathering of the Student Council, the Dave Phillips Memorial Game, the Berker Fellows reunion, and the handover of the time capsules to RC 20. The oldest attendees were the “Golden Girls” of ACG 55, while the alumni who traveled the farthest joined us from California.

The Assembly, both emotional and uplifting, was led by Head of School Whitman Shepard, warmly welcomed back to the RC stage. His message centered on responsibility, reputation, and resilience, and he expressed gratitude to RC’s generous donors. Highlights included a touching AI-generated tribute to Coach Dave Phillips, a preview of the new RCQ Digital platform, and recognitions for the Student Council, Berker Fellows, and the RCQ Editorial Board.,

Behind the scenes, Homecoming was a true team effort, a day made possible by the dedication of staff, faculty, students, and volunteers. From the Plant, Security, ISS, and Aşkur teams to the PE Department, Student Council, and our student ushers, everyone’s commitment shone through.

It was a day of joy, pride, and belonging – a celebration of what makes Robert College more than a school: a lifelong community that continues to reconnect, year after year.