YOGYAKARTA (KU) – Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a series of activities to celebrate the Lustrum XI and the 55th anniversary. The opening of started with the release of balloons by the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Retno Peni Sancayaningsih, M.Sc., at the campus yard.
Previously, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Ari Indrianto, M.Sc., conveyed that the anniversary this time raised the theme of Perspectives of Biology in Managing Sustainable Biological Resources. Several activities have been prepared, such as blood donor, sports competition, art competition, open house, ornamental plants exhibition, seminars, family gathering, alumni gathering, and anniversary ceremony in September. "The soft opening of this event is followed by faculty, staff and students," explained Ari.
Meanwhile, Budi Daryono, Secretary of Faculty of Biology Alumni (Kabiogama) added that the activities this time are meaningful in relation to the 3rd National Congress of Kabiogama to be held in September. Later, a large audience is also expected to participate in the event that will also elect Chairman of the Central Kabiogama 2010-2015. "We have about 3000 members and there are about six new branches of Kabiogama. We will develop them further," he said.
In his speech, Dr. Retno Peni said that the momentum of the Lustrum can be used as an encouragement to continue working and make achievements, both for educators and non-academic staff. The event is also marked with a ceremony in honour of three professors who will retire. They are Prof. Dr. Yusuf Subagyo, M.Sc. (Ecology), Prof. Dr. Mammed Sagi (Zoology), and Prof. Dr. Issirep Sumardi (Botany). "After their retirement, leadership in the Faculty of Biology is expected to continue," said Retno.
She also explained that research and laboratory facilities, especially for S-2 and S-3, will be incorporated in the Muso Suryowinoto Building. "Special research laboratory of S-2 and S-3 will be incorporated into one in Muso Suryowinoto Building," she added.
Retno explained that the theme of the event is related to the expertise and excellence of Faculty of Biology researchers in orchids and wild silk. This is just an example of the theme, for instance, we’ll conserve rare orchids in Papua along with our counterparts in several other universities, such as Cendrawasih University, Mulawarman University, and Hasanuddin University," said Retno.
After the release of the balloons, participants continued the ceremony by doing an exercise together.