To celebrate the 79th Anniversary of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM) and the 25-year milestone of their silver reunion, Gadjah Mada Veterinarian (Gamavet) Class of 2000 organized a social service event. The activity was held at the Bina Remaja Orphanage (UBKR) in Donoharjo, Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Thursday (Sep. 19).
The initiative reflected the alumni’s gratitude and commitment to making a positive contribution to society. The event began with remarks from the Class of 2000 Chair, Aris Susilo, who explained that the activity aimed to share joy with others.
“We want to share happiness and ease the burdens of the children at the orphanage. We hope our contribution will be useful,” said Aris Susilo, who is also a veterinarian.
The atmosphere grew warmer as Gamavet members engaged in direct conversation with the orphanage management.
On this occasion, Nina, a representative of the Bina Remaja Orphanage, warmly welcomed the FKH UGM Class of 2000 alumni, who are affectionately known as Siji Rongewu Veteriner (Cirovet).
Nina shared that Bina Remaja Orphanage in Donoharjo operates as a private nonprofit institution, fully relying on donations. She added that only a small portion of parents are able to cover the orphanage’s monthly fees and school expenses.
“Most of the children here come from underprivileged families or have no family at all,” she explained.
The event reached a heartfelt moment when the alumni symbolically handed over donations, including basic food supplies and cash assistance amounting to IDR 6 million.
After the handover, the Class of 2000 alumni inspected the orphanage’s facilities to assess their condition. During the visit, they also took time to greet and interact with the children during their midday break, creating a warm and familial atmosphere.
In response, Gamavet Class of 2000 expressed its commitment to providing continuous support. After the visit, they held a discussion and agreed to raise funds through a monthly alumni contribution.
“Part of the collected contributions will be regularly allocated to support the operations and needs of the children at the Bina Remaja Orphanage,” said Aris Susilo.
This community service initiative is expected to strengthen the bond among alumni and inspire other organizations to remain active in social initiatives.
Following the social service, 34 alumni joined a gathering at RM Desa Palagan and held a reunion at Pondok Desa on Saturday (Sep. 20), where they also donated plant seedlings to FKH UGM.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Salwa