JOGJAKARTA (KU) – In many countries, diploma program occupies strategic position in their national network of manpower. They are not only the keystone in the global competition but also professional middle workers that become the largest basis of the nation’s work productivity. This was said by the Rector of UGM Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D in his speech in graduation of Diploma program, Friday (20/8).
The Rector delivered that UGM has pioneered a diploma program that synthesizes scientific ability and skills to occupy a strategic position in the pyramid of Indonesian workers. UGM Diploma graduates are not only able to compete in searching for work but also able to create jobs.
"You are the professional force that will prove your working performance like your colleagues in developed countries. Therefore, the tough task ahead becomes your challenge. You must be persistent to search for a job at the moment, some of you will easily get a job, some will create their own job and some will go through a long struggle in getting one," said the Rector to the diploma graduates.
He mentioned that the current number of UGM alumni joining the Alumni Association (KAGAMA) )exceeded 200 thousand. He hoped that the Diploma graduates have confidence. As UGM alumni having the historical power in the past, you are expected to be a cornerstone in answering future challenges. "Although most of you will face many struggles, let us be thankful that we had already finished learning process in this beloved campus. We need to struggle differently in the future, I hope you are always spirited and happy in continuing learning in your work environment," he asked.
As many as 578 graduate students graduated this time. The average study period is 3 years and 1 month. The shortest study period, 1 year and 4 months, was completed by Rifqi Arsad from the Faculty of Economics and Business. The youngest graduate, 19 years and 9 months, was Galuh Ira Haryati from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The highest GPA (3.96) was achieved by Reny Setyasih Widodo from the Faculty of Engineering.