Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., asserted that up to this date UGM has only been able to provide scholarships as much as 28 percent of all UGM students which reached some 50 thousands. All scholarships were used by S1 and Diploma program students.
"We have only been able to provide about 28 percent scholarships, while the 72 percent was financed by family," the Rector said in an inauguration speech of Diploma program on Wednesday (23/11) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
The Rector said the sources of the scholarships came from government, society and industry. In the future, it was planned that the amount allocated for scholarship would be increased by cooperating with numerous partners.
Graduation of 350 Associates
Universitas of Gadjah Mada, once again, inaugurated 350 graduates of diploma program. The average study period in this graduation ceremony is 3 years and 3 months. The shortest study period is achieved by Muhammad Bahri Irawan from Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, who graduated in 2 years and 8 months. The youngest graduate is Hanifah Agus Setyawan of Animal Health Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, who managed to become an associate at the age of 20 years and 2 months. There are 34 cum laude graduates or 9.74% of all graduates.
The highest Grade Point Average, 3.97, is achieved by Yogi Utomo in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Study Program, Faculty of Geography.
In his speech the Rector said that the position of associates today is very strategic. The challenge ahead of associate graduates in addition to looking for work is to open employment opportunity. "Therefore, always diligently attempt to overcome various difficulties by becoming lifelong learners," he said.
He added that college graduates have a role to materialize the prosperity, safety and welfare of the community. Therefore, college graduates are expected to be the leadership in the community and the work market. "UGM always raises confidence among graduates to provide services to the country from their respective locations," he said.
Meanwhile, a graduate, Herni Ratna Purnawati, asserted as an associate graduates, she was ready to compete in work market because she has been equipped with the skills and knowledge during her study time at vocational schools. "Wherever we are, we will always carry and practice the values of UGM that we have received during our study here," she concluded.