Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the Undergraduate and Applied Bachelor Graduation Ceremony for Period IV of the 2024/2025 Academic Year on Tuesday (Aug. 26) at Grha Sabha Pramana. A total of 3,664 students graduated in this period, consisting of 3,150 undergraduate graduates and 514 applied bachelor graduates, with the ceremony held over three days.
On the first day, UGM conferred degrees on 1,080 graduates from seven faculties: Faculty of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Geography, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Faculty of Biology.
“Congratulations to all graduates who have successfully earned their undergraduate degrees at Universitas Gadjah Mada. This degree is not only an academic achievement but also a provision for graduates to contribute to advancing national development,” said Professor Ova Emilia, UGM Rector, in her remarks.
The rector added that UGM’s recent achievements reaffirm the university’s global standing.
Based on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, UGM ranks 6th globally for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty eradication.
This recognition reflects UGM’s strong commitment to community empowerment through education, research, and public service.
“UGM is committed to preparing graduates with excellence, innovation, and adaptability who are not only able to broaden employment opportunities but also create new jobs, develop the creative industry, and strengthen national independence,” the rector emphasized.
On the same occasion, UGM also highlighted several academic achievements of its graduates.
The average study duration for undergraduate programs was 4 years and 2 months, with the fastest graduate completing in 3 years, 8 months, and 5 days.
Meanwhile, the average age of graduates was 22 years and 6 months, with the youngest graduate being 20 years and 5 months old.
The rector also reported an average GPA of 3.59, with 70 percent of graduates earning honors.
“The highest GPA of 4.0 was achieved by Stefani Gabriela from the Faculty of Law, who will graduate on Aug. 27, 2025,” she explained.
On behalf of the UGM Alumni Family (KAGAMA), R. A. Belinda Arunawati Margono, who also serves as the Principal Secretary of the Geospatial Information Agency, reminded graduates that graduation is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter in life.
She stressed that their success is not solely personal but also the result of family prayers and community support.
“Becoming a graduate is an extraordinary achievement, but more importantly, it is about how we apply the knowledge, experiences, and networks gained on this campus. UGM educates us not only to be intellectually capable but also to be caring, resilient, and impactful for others,” she said.
The KAGAMA representative also underlined that graduates are now officially part of the wider Kagama family.
She emphasized that KAGAMA serves as a lifelong network that strengthens alumni bonds while encouraging meaningful contributions to the nation.
“As UGM alumni, you are now officially part of KAGAMA, a family that for more than 60 years has nurtured unity, mutual support, and continuous contribution to the nation. I encourage you to be agents of change amid globalization and technological disruption,” she added.
Representing the graduates, Fathan Damayanti from the Nursing Science Program expressed gratitude and appreciation for the journey they had completed.
She reflected that the academic journey was full of challenges, especially as many students began their studies during the pandemic.
“Today is proof that the small steps we took in the past have brought us to this peak, not only about receiving a diploma but also about how we grew, struggled, and persevered,” she said.
Damayanti extended her thanks to lecturers, education staff, and parents who had supported the graduates until the completion of their studies.
She emphasized that the degree earned belongs not only to the individual but also to the families who offered prayers and sacrifices.
In closing, she reminded fellow graduates to remain humble, grateful, and committed to contributing to society wherever they are.
He quoted former President B.J. Habibie, saying that success belongs not to the smartest, but to those who strive.
“Let us rejoice today, because this moment is the result of our courage to begin, our persistence to endure, and our determination to finish,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian