Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) inaugurates 1530 graduates on Thursday (18/8). In this graduation period, the average duration of study is 4 years 6 months, while the shortest study time, 3 years and 7 months, is achieved by Berthin Saragih of Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering. Meanwhile, Elisabeth Adina Utami of Doctor Education Study Program, Faculty of Medicine manages to become the youngest graduate at the age of 19 years 7 months 14 days old. The highest Grade Point Average (GPA), 3.99, in this graduation is achieved by Yanuar Kurniawan of Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., congratulated the new graduates, reminding the graduates to always give significant contribution to society by becoming a leading scientist. "All it takes for this nation is a leading scientist who is able to create jobs and able to work successfully," said the Rector.
On the occasion, the Rector also advised that UGM alumni wherever they are should continuously apply the values of UGM, namely developing and applying science for the civility, benefit, and happiness. The Rector conveys that there are three important elements in building a civilization, i.e., faith, science, and culture. "Always continue the lifelong learning to apply and develop science, to give benefit and happiness," he conveys.
In order to improve the career of the alumni, the Rector asked them not to hesitate to establish communication with the almamater through the media of information and communication technology that has been prepared by UGM through the ACSS (Alumni Career Support System) and Symphony (Alumni Potential Information System) which is available on the UGM website. The Rector also mentioned that in 2011, UGM implemented the ICT utilization expansion acceleration to support learning process, such as by creating and developing e-Lisa software or e-Learning System for Academic Community.
"E-learning that runs side by side with the face-to-face teaching at UGM is able to accelerate and increase the quality of graduates," he said.
Also invited to attend as guests in this graduation are the teachers corps who are represented by the school principal of elementary, junior and senior high schools, which are from SDN Gedongkuning 1, Yogyakarta, SDN Sleman 1, Sleman; SDN 3 Pengasih, Kulon Progo;, SMPN 2 Pandak, Bantul; SMPN 1 Nanggulan, Kulon Progo; SMPN 2 Pajangan, Bantul; SMKN 1 Depok, Sleman; SMAN 17 Bantul; SMAN 2 Playen, Gunung Kidul, and SMAN 1 Wates, Kulon Progo.