The opening lecture of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University’s Refreshment University for the 2025–2026 academic year was held with the participation of Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek. The event took place on October 23, 2025, at the Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin Hall of the Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center. In addition to Governor Demiryürek, the ceremony was attended by the Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Kırşehir Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Serkan Sağlam, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, academic and administrative staff, and students of the Refreshment University.

At the opening lecture, students of the Refreshment University were the first to take the floor, emphasizing the importance of the program for them. They stated that the Refreshment University is essentially a lifelong learning initiative, underlining that every individual has the right to learn at any age. The students shared that as they grow older, they become more mature and serve as role models for future generations. They concluded their remarks by expressing their gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the program a reality.

Following, efreshment University Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hilal Seki Öz took the floor and delivered a presentation titled “Positive Aging: Changing Years, Deepening Wisdom.” In her talk, she addressed the biological, psychological, and social transformations that come with aging, emphasizing that old age is an era of freedom in which emotions find rest and the doors to wisdom and peace are opened. “Age is not a number; it is a level of participation and meaning,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öz, adding that positive aging can be defined by staying healthy, maintaining physical and cognitive functions, remaining socially engaged, and participating actively in life. She also highlighted the psychological and social benefits of positive aging, noting that cognitive gains bring the advantage of wisdom.

Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hilal Seki Öz, Governor of Kırşehir Murat Sefa Demiryürek delivered a speech. In his address, Governor Demiryürek shared some memories from his professional life and enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the students of the Refreshment University. Emphasizing the city’s strong love and passion for education, he also noted that learning has no age limit.

At the end of the program, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Rector of our University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, and Kırşehir Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Serkan Sağlam posed for a commemorative photo with the students of the Refreshment University.

Afterwards, Governor Demiryürek visited Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil in his office, where they exchanged ideas on the development of both the city and the university.