Hasan Burak Demir RC 16 Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List

The serial enterpreneur has a generative AI company, Feraset

In November 2025, Forbes Türkiye recognized Hasan Burak Demir  as one of 30 high-achieving young leaders across various fields. Demir had previously sold his company Zerosum Games to global giant Zynga. He has since founded Feraset, a generative AI company that develops and publishes consumer apps designed to make advanced AI accessible to everyone. 

Demir views AI as “the electricity of this century.” “It will dramatically increase human productivity, unlock entirely new capabilities, and help solve some of today’s most complex problems,” Demir says. The idea of near-infinite intelligence enabling near-infinite possibilities is incredibly exciting.” He states that Feraset turns cutting-edge technology into intuitive products with best-in-class user experience, so anyone can benefit from AI without needing technical expertise.

Reflecting on his journey, Demir credits Robert College as a pivotal influence: “RC taught me to question rather than accept, to think from first principles, and to seek truth with curiosity and discipline. These values shaped guide the way I think, decide, and live in every area of my life today.”

Tuğçe Yosmaoğlu Tatari RC 04 Named Legal Director at Abdi İbrahim Pharmaceuticals

This is Tatari’s first role on the client side.

In May 2025, Tuğçe Yosmaoğlu Tatari joined Abdi İbrahim Pharmaceuticals, after spending the majority of her career in private practice. Tatri states that curiosity had drawn her into the field in the first place: “Law felt like a place where you are allowed to question, analyze, and connect dots. Over time, I realized that law is not just about rules; it is about people, decisions, and responsibility.”

For the RC students aspiring to become lawyers, Tatari  underlines that there is rarely a clear “right” answer: “I constantly balance legal requirements, business needs and timelines, often at the same time. One needs to learn to trust her judgment; that takes time and experience, and it is something I am still working on every day.”

Tatari sees a direct link between her RC education and her professional approach : “High school taught me how to think, not what to think. The emphasis on expressing ideas clearly and defending your opinions respectfully shaped the way I approach problems today.” 

 

Winter Vibes at Bizim Tepe: Alumni Came Together to Celebrate the Season

The Robert College Alumni Association (RKMD) brought its community together once again with the much-anticipated “Winter Vibes Party,” which took place on Thursday, December 25 at Bizim Tepe.

As a warm and vibrant end-of-year gathering, the evening offered alumni the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new faces from the community, and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Music set the tone for the night as DJ Burak Süsoy RC 90 took over the decks, creating an energetic atmosphere where guests danced, unwound, and welcomed the new year together.

RKMD continues to strengthen alumni bonds through events like Winter Vibes, creating spaces where shared memories meet new experiences. The evening stood as a reminder of the enduring connection within the Robert College community.

Looking ahead, the celebrations are set to continue—a “Spring Vibes Party” is already in the making, promising another opportunity for the community to come together in the months ahead.

A Growing Tradition of Thought and Dialogue at Bizim Tepe

On the evening of February 9, the Robert College Alumni Association (RKMD) welcomed guests to Bizim Tepe for a gathering that set the tone for an ambitious new intellectual tradition. In collaboration with the Tarih Vakfı (History Foundation), the Association hosted the inaugural event of the “Bizim Tepe Series,” bringing together alumni, scholars, and history enthusiasts for an evening where rigorous discussion met a strong sense of community.

At the heart of the night was Şevket Pamuk RA 68, whose talk on “Inflation and Politics in the Ottoman Empire” offered a rich, thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between economic forces and political power. Drawing on decades of research, Pamuk connected historical patterns with contemporary realities, reminding the audience that today’s economic debates are often rooted in long-standing structural dynamics.

Yet the evening was more than a lecture—it was the beginning of a platform. Conceived as a series of curated conversations, the Bizim Tepe Series aims to bridge academic insight with lived experience, creating a space where alumni can engage with critical ideas while reconnecting with one another. The initiative also carries a philanthropic dimension: proceeds from the evening were directed toward supporting the ongoing work of the Tarih Vakfı, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing historical scholarship in Turkey.

Building on the success and momentum of this first gathering, the collaboration between the Robert College Alumni Association and the Tarih Vakfı is set to continue. On March 30, Bizim Tepe will once again host an evening dedicated to history and contemporary reflection—this time featuring Osman Cevdet Akçay RC 79.

In the second installment of the series, Akçay will lead a discussion on “The History of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB),” offering participants a deeper understanding of the institutional and economic evolution of one of the country’s most critical financial bodies. As with the first event, the evening will bring together intellectual inquiry, alumni engagement, and social impact, with proceeds continuing to support the Tarih Vakfı’s work.

Together, these gatherings signal more than a series of events—they mark the beginning of a sustained partnership. By creating a recurring forum for dialogue, the Robert College Alumni Association and the Tarih Vakfı are laying the groundwork for an enduring exchange of ideas, one that connects past and present while strengthening the bonds within the alumni community.

Set in the familiar warmth of Bizim Tepe, the Bizim Tepe Series is quickly becoming a space where history is not only discussed, but collectively experienced—through conversation, reflection, and a shared commitment to learning.

New RC Alumni Association (RKMD) Board Meets RC Leadership at Bizim Tepe

On October 27, 2025, the newly elected Board of Directors of the Robert College Alumni Association (RKMD) came together with Head of School Whitman Shepard, the school’s senior leadership and Trustees at Bizim Tepe—once again reaffirming the deep and enduring connection between the College and its alumni community.

The gathering marked an important moment at the start of the new RKMD term, coming shortly after the launch of the Association’s first Endowment. With a shared sense of responsibility and purpose, participants discussed both current priorities and future opportunities, focusing on how to best serve the long-term interests of Robert College and its alumni.

For 68 years, RKMD has played a vital role in strengthening ties among alumni while supporting the school’s mission. Building on this legacy, the new Board emphasized its commitment to taking concrete, forward-looking steps—guided by collective insight and shared values—to address evolving needs and opportunities.

The Association also reiterated its dedication to transparency and open communication. Throughout the new term, RKMD will continue to share developments with the alumni community in a timely and well-documented manner, staying true to the principles of solidarity and accountability that are central to the RC experience.

Rooted in the strength of its alumni network, the trust of the school, and the mandate given at the General Assembly on October 19, 2025, RKMD enters this new chapter with a clear vision: to sustain and grow a lifelong community built on connection, contribution, and shared purpose.

The board members of the new term are as follows. 

President: Arif Akdağ RC 88

Vice President: Ali Sancar RC 86 

General Secretary: Ersu Ablak RC 98

Treasurer: Dila Şirin RC 16

Members: Damla Ilıca RC 16, Mert Tanal RC 09, Yaprak Kılıççı RC 89, Önder Dalkıran RC 89, Barış Güner RC 89, Aslı Berkol RC 88, Meltem Kayhan RC 86, Ali Yılmaz RC 85. 

Emre Turanlı RC 97 Appointed as Global CMO for Shell Mobility & Convenience

Turanlı moved into his new role as of January 1, 2026

Emre Turanlı’s long career at Shell has reached a new stage with his appointment as Global CMO for Shell’s Mobility and Convenience business. In his new role,  Turanlı will lead the development of mobility products, elevate the convenience retail experience, and shape how the company engages with more than 30 million customers in 83 countries. Turanlı states his responsibilities span the full gamut of marketing: “My responsibilities encompass fuels, mobility products, global shop formats, food & beverage brands such as Shell Café and Deli2Go, loyalty programs, as well as digital and analytics, strategic partnerships, and motorsports sponsorships, including the 75-year partnership with Ferrari.” Additionally, in his role as Senior Vice President Licensed Markets, he will oversee 60 countries, with more than 15,000 sites. Finally, Turanlı will also serve as the Chairman of the Board of Shell Brands International, serving as steward of the Shell brand.

Turanlı believes in the power of team sports as a model for building high-performing teams in business: “I am a very hands-on leader with a simple mental model of 10% Strategy and 90% execution. I reduce hierarchy, and stay very close to the teams on the ground and customers. “ Indeed, Turanlı’s lifelong involvement in sports—beginning at age five and continuing through RC and beyond—exemplifies the positive impact of sports on leadership.

Burak Cendek RC 00 Appointed Managing Director at Autotech Ventures

Cendek Highlights the Convergence of AI and the Physical Economy.

After RC, Burak Cendek studied electrical engineering at Caltech where he gained exposure to robotics, and later earned an MBA from Chicago Booth. His career has always focused on the intersection of technology and industry, exploring how complex, traditional sectors adopt new tools.  This trajectory led him to the venture capital firm Autotech Ventures, a Menlo Park–based VC firm managing ~$600M. In his new role, Cendek leads the investments in early-stage companies across industrials and transportation.

Cendek states these sectors deserve focused investment because they underpin the physical economy: “The movement of people and goods relies on large-scale systems that remain inefficient, fragmented, and slow to change, creating sustained opportunity for new technology. Some of the most exciting developments today are agentic AI and the rise of physical AI, including robotics and automation that operate directly in the physical world.”


For RC alumni and students interested in the intersection of technology and ground mobility, Cendek’s advice is simple: “Build! It has never been easier to start. Identify a real pain point, begin working on it, and iterate quickly. Building is the fastest way to understand both technology and markets.”

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.