Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a graduation ceremony for 1,609 bachelor’s program graduates on Thursday (August 24) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
These graduates were from 10 faculties: Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Psychology, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Philosophy, and Faculty of Economics and Business.
The average study period of these graduates was four years, with an average age of 22 years, six months, and 15 days and an average Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.57.
The youngest graduate in this period is Rafa Nadine Fakhira Azzahra from the Faculty of Psychology, who is 19 years, nine months, and 30 days old.
Vice-Rector for Education and Learning, Professor Wening Udasmoro, congratulated the graduates on their success.
“I congratulate the graduates today for completing a long journey. Entering UGM is not easy; leaving UGM is also not easy, but you have done it,” she said in her address.
“The support of parents and guardians has enabled your journey to this point. Congratulations to the parents and guardians who have accompanied their children to this important stage of their lives.”
Professor Udasmoro advised the graduates to uphold their alma mater’s reputation and embrace UGM values.
“Uphold UGM’s reputation. Continue to contribute, and don’t forget to join the Alums Family (Kagama). Congratulations, and may success be with you, always,” she added.
On this occasion, Professor Udasmoro spoke on the recent 78th Independence Day celebration. President Joko Widodo stated in his national address that Indonesia is now working on achieving its 2045 Vision, “Indonesia Emas 2045” (Golden Indonesia 2045).
By that year, Indonesia is expected to escape the middle-income trap before 2045 to be on par with high-income countries.
“The spirit of independence this year should at least fuel optimism among us all to actively contribute to the nation’s growth, where the focus is on preparing an excellent human resource. We want UGM graduates to participate in this,” she said.
The graduate representative, Theresia Adven Dea Kristiani, expressed gratitude for her degree conferral after nearly two years of experiencing online study throughout the pandemic.
The pandemic has given her and her cohort a unique experience as they faced challenges in their studies without face-to-face interactions for a long time.
“Being in front of a laptop daily, facing challenges in our studies, it often feels lonely. Nevertheless, we have proven that we can adapt to online learning, become open-minded, learn a lot, and confront new challenges,” said Kristiani, a graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture.
Kristiani appreciated the policies the university and faculties implemented that facilitated online learning well. However, she noted that students faced challenges due to unstable internet access and often had to spend money to buy more internet data.
She also appreciated the educators who patiently imparted academic knowledge and life values.
“What we have achieved now is the result of dedication from our professors. They inspire us and provide us with the foundation to become exceptional and beneficial individuals,” she concluded.
Novie Riyanto, a representative of the Kagama Central Management, said that after this event, the graduates will face various challenging situations. However, the knowledge and skills they have acquired will serve as tools to overcome these challenges in the workplace and community life.
“With the knowledge and UGM values you possess, you’ll be able to tackle any problems you encounter. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, always give your best,” said the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation Secretary-General.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto