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.

---

---

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 “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).

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.

Berna was the symbol of true friendship — a loving, caring soul who was always there when someone needed her. A bundle of sensations, a music lover, and an avid piano player, she carried a sensitivity that made her a thoughtful and genuine person. There was hardly anyone untouched by her warm and friendly presence; her kindness left lasting marks on all our hearts.

 

To those of us who truly knew her, she was more than a friend — she was an angel who brought warmth into our lives. Her memory and the love she so freely gave will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Berna. You will be remembered and cherished, always.

 

Contributed by Nesrin Gülsoy RC’74 & Nilgün Helvacıoğlu RC’74

Edib Emin Cemil Kırdar of Tempe, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by family and close friends. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, godfather, friend, and community leader, Edib leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and dedication to family, friends, and community, enriching all of us to be the best we can be.

Born on December 25, in Izmir, Turkey, Edib was the son of Emin and Nüzhet Kırdar. Though he was born in Turkey, his family’s hometown was Kirkuk, Iraq, where the Kirdar family history stretches back more than 300 years. The family’s deep ties to the region include the Haj Mustafa Kirdar Mosque, built in 1885 by his grandfather, a lasting spiritual and cultural landmark. Edib’s education included Istanbul’s Robert College, where he earned his civil engineering degree in 1955. He later pursued postgraduate studies at Arizona State University.

Edib arrived in Arizona in 1959 and embarked on a distinguished 32-year career at the Salt River Project (SRP). Rising to become Manager of the Office of International Affairs at SRP, he worked on water management projects across the globe. He was very proud of his work that took him to Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Yemen, Pakistan, China, and Indonesia under the auspices of USAID, where he shared expertise in irrigation and water operations. After retiring from SRP in December 1990, Edib spent a decade as Associate Faculty at Arizona State University, teaching “Cultural Understandings.” He also founded EK Associates, a consulting firm focused on international water training programs.

Edib’s professional life was matched by his civic engagement. He served on the Phoenix Committee of Foreign Relations beginning in 1978, serving three terms on the board and later as an Emeritus Board Member. He was also a proud and active member of the Turkish-American Association of Arizona, Lions Club, and Toastmasters. A dedicated Mason, he participated in Chandler Thunderbird Lodge No. 15, F. & A.M. of AZ. A naturalized U.S. citizen since 1977, Edib cherished the opportunities this country gave him while staying deeply connected to his heritage.

In 1962, Edib married the love of his life, Lale Zeynep Keymen “Zeyna,” and together they built their life in Arizona. Their marriage of 62 years was filled with devotion, compassion, and resilience. They raised two children, Leyla (married to James Haupert) and Murad (partner Matthew Simpson), and cherished their extended family of “fur-babies,” including six grand-dogs and one grand-bird.

After retirement, Edib and Zeyna spent summers at their home in Istanbul, where he loved walking along the Bosphorus. As a Christmas baby, he delighted in celebrating holidays with his children, family, and friends in places including California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Edib valued faith, family, friends, and his country above all else. He took joy in community gatherings, travel, storytelling, and playing backgammon. His family and friends remember him as one of the kindest, most honorable, and generous people they had ever known. One of his longtime backgammon friends described him as “the epitome of a great American, someone who found their way here, worked hard, played by the rules, had a beautiful wife and family, and flourished.”

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and four of his five brothers. He is survived by his children and their partners, his brother Jamil, and the many relatives and friends who will forever remember his warmth, wisdom, and kindness. Edib told his children recently that he lived the best life imaginable and said, “Murad and Matt, along with Leyla and Jim, are my heroes, the pride and joy of my life. You all have made me the happiest father ever.”

Edib believed in and supported his son Murad with his nonprofit charitable work helping animals and families and spent this past summer with him and Matt in Santa Fe, making lasting memories. Donations can be made in Edib’s honor to Española Humane at https://www.espanolahumane.org/donate/ or mailed to:

Española Humane
Donation in Memory of Edib Kirdar
108 Hamm Parkway
Española, New Mexico 87532

 

Leyla Haupert

Güler Bozkurt, 74, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025.

 

Born and raised in Istanbul, she was a dedicated graduate of the American College for Girls, Senior Class of 1971.

 

Starting her career in the early 70s in the publishing world in Istanbul, she’d worked as an editor and a translator specializing in tax legislation.

 

In the 90s, she’d moved to Boston. Her prior experience was indeed valuable as she started working as a legal research assistant at a renown Boston Investment Bank & Law Firm, and later on for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

After retirement, she settled down in a tranquil little village in Bodrum, where she acquired an olive grove and focused on sustainable farming.

 

Apart from gardening and producing her very own cold press early harvest extra virgin olive oil, she spent much of her time traveling with her daughter throughout Anatolia’s breathtaking national parks and archaeological sites.

 

Güler was preceded in death by her husband, Haluk Bayrakdaroğlu (RC YÜK ’71), and her elder daughter Gülen Bayrakdaroğlu. She is survived by her younger daughter, Zeynep Bayrakdaroğlu.  

 

Güler will be remembered for her profound compassion, unwavering integrity, and remarkable generosity. She was an exceptionally devoted mother and a truly compatible travel companion. She will be terribly missed, a sentiment that hardly captures the depth of our grief.

 

September of 1953. Beginning of Robert College’s Preparatory Year. Our first meeting

with Dear Urcun. Our classrooms, our dormitories… We are both boarding students

spending all our days in the same building. Lessons, recesses, after-class sports

activities. We are together all the time. Urcun goes home for the weekends, returning

each Sunday evening with new and interesting stories.

His special talent in languages was even exceeded by his perfect abilities in all fields of

sports. Our memories start with football and basketball games.

These, whenever the opportunity arose, were followed by Kadıköy Community Center Gym,

training sessions of Fenerbahçe Star Basketball Team. He must have received his first sportsmen’s’ license in1957. He later on continued his successful achievements at the Fenerbahçe Junior Team following an intelligent, agile and talented line of continuously improving success.

He attended the Political Science Faculty for two years after high school. After leaving, he spent

nearly a year in Paris learning French. When he returned to Istanbul in 1966, he passed the

Counseling and Guidance Exams, a different field in which he was engaged for a few years.

Meanwhile, he continued his ambitious search for the meaning of life! India, Kathmandu,

the Gurus… a different philosophy. Marriage and divorce. Peace and close friends

and acquaintances sought and found in Bodrum and Gümüşlük…We used to spend

hours of chats to catch up with each other before going to Bodrum in summers. When I

called him this year I was told that he was at the hospital. Later on, I had the chance to visit him

at his home. A short visit… recalling some memories and enjoying old photographs…

When I wanted to visit him again three days later on 10 August, I was confronted with

the inconsolable news.

An extraordinary personality…. A very special person… He is now undoubtedly Resting

in Peace ……

Contributed by Kemal Noyan RA61/RC65