Established in 1985 the Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Mezunlar Derneği or BÜMED is more than just an alumni association. It’s a vibrant community. It connects graduates to each other and to their alma mater. BÜMED’s mission is clear. To keep Boğaziçi University alumni engaged. It aims to support the university’s growth as a leading institution.
The story of BÜMED begins even before its official founding. In the 1980s political conditions made forming a formal association difficult. So Boğaziçi University and Robert College alumni cleverly formed a company. Boğaziçi Reklamcılık ve Tanıtım AŞ served as a placeholder. This company produced a catalogue of over 5200 alumni. This clever move kept the flame of connection alive. It laid the groundwork for BÜMED’s future success.
Finally on March 16 1985 BÜMED held its first official meeting at Kennedy Lodge. This was on the South Campus. The association was officially registered on November 12 1985. Its first general assembly followed on January 18 1986. BÜMED quickly grew. In 1986 it had 969 members. By 1990 this number exploded to 4860. By 2018 membership surpassed 18000.
BÜMED isn’t just about maintaining connections. It actively supports Boğaziçi University students. It provides scholarships. It organizes events connecting students with potential employers. The association facilitates mentorship programs. BÜMED also publishes a monthly magazine the Boğaziçi Dergisi. This magazine is free for members.
In 1992 BÜMED initiated a fundraising marathon. The result was a social facility for alumni. This facility opened in 1994. BÜMED has embraced quality management. In 2001 it adopted the EFQM management model. It received national quality awards in 2005.
BÜMED also founded Merak Eden Çocuk (MEÇ) Schools. These schools offer education from preschool to high school. During the 2021 Boğaziçi University protests BÜMED stood firmly by its university’s principles. It championed academic freedom. It voiced its support for students faculty and administration.
The Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Mezunlar Derneği is more than a simple organization. It’s a testament to enduring bonds. It embodies the spirit of Boğaziçi University itself. It continues to evolve and adapt. Its influence extends far beyond its campus. It plays a vital role in the Turkish educational landscape.