Alumni’s roles and contributions in society, government, and industry can significantly enhance a university’s reputation. Their roles and contributions in their professional environments and community life inherently build the reputation and recognition of their alma mater nationally and globally.
Professor Indra Wijaya Kusuma, Head of UGM’s University Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit (SPMRU UGM), explained that alumni contribute up to 50% to the university’s reputation criteria.
Alumni are involved in the tri-dharma (education, research, and community service), employment rates, academic surveys, and societal contributions.
This role is closely tied to the UGM Alumni Family (Kagama)’s familial nature, ensuring alumni contributions reach various regions.
“University reputation heavily relies on alumni engagement. We must continue to enhance the impact of alumni in society,” said Professor Kusuma during the UGM and Kagama Synergy Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Multimedia 1, UGM Central Office.
Over the past seven years, UGM and Kagama have organized various programs, including orientation for prospective graduates, scholarship programs, and the Kagama Berbicara podcast.
Consequently, UGM and Kagama are committed to maintaining synergy to ensure a strong relationship between alumni and the university.
Dr. Arie Sujito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, appreciated the synergy between UGM and Kagama in UGM’s significant agendas.
Vice-Rector Sujito valued Kagama’s initiative to consistently strengthen cooperation with UGM to improve quality and achieve strategic goals.
“Efforts to build synergy must be concretized through existing programs to align with the strategic roles being executed. Workshops can generate innovative collaborations and breakthroughs, ensuring that alumni outreach benefits everyone,” he emphasized.
Professor Paripurna, Chair IV of Kagama, stressed the importance of Kagama’s role in every university program.
According to him, Kagama plays an extraordinary role in supporting UGM’s activities across Indonesia and helping resolve various issues.
“The culture of unity and solidarity to achieve UGM’s tri-dharma goals must be maintained,” said Professor Paripurna.
Sulastama Raharja, Deputy Secretary-General VI, highlighted the importance of synergy between Kagama and UGM’s major agendas.
We discussed the implementation of various programs, including routine scholarships, community service programs such as Community Service Programs (KKN), and disaster management.
Additionally, Kagama facilitates exam locations in respective regions to support new student admissions through the independent admission test (UM CBT) route.
Dr. Rustamaji, Director of Community Service at UGM, explained that Kagama responds exceptionally well whenever UGM organizes KKN programs.
Kagama even allocates funds to collaborate on research with KKN students.
“The reception of students by Kagama is outstanding, and Kagama assists students from their regions. We move forward together, correcting and strengthening each other,” said Dr. Rustamaji.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang