Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the UGM Alumni Family (KAGAMA), celebrated the Alumni Mengabdi Awards (Alumni Devotion) during the Alumni Gathering Night in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of UGM on Saturday (December 16) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
Recognizing alumni’s exceptional contributions and impact across various domains, the award ceremony honored five outstanding individuals.
The esteemed awardees include Pande Putu Setiawan, a Faculty of Economics and Business alumnus and founder of the Komunitas Anak Alam (Children of Nature Community); Mukhanif Yasin Yusuf, a Faculty of Cultural Sciences alumnus and disability issues activist; Haris Fuadi, a Faculty of Animal Science alumnus nurturing young football talents; Ritno Kurniawan, a Faculty of Agriculture alumnus dedicated to protected forest conservation; and Nadlrotus Sariroh, a Faculty of Cultural Sciences alumna advocating for the rights of porters in Yogyakarta.
“We are very proud that UGM has over 500 thousand alumni, spread across the country, achieving remarkable positions and accomplishments. Surely, this real contribution is the result of character education during their time at UGM,” said the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, MD.
This year, 56 nominees underwent a rigorous selection process, evaluated on their initiative, commitment, and tangible impact on social life.
“They are alumni who strengthen the roots of Universitas Gadjah Mada; they all elevate the status of the university. They are the true servants of the people, sometimes overlooked in praises and media reports,” said Professor Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, one of the judges.
These awards serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for UGM alumni to continue their positive influence in society.
“In addition to appreciating alumni, these awards also document the contributions of UGM alumni in community service,” added another judge, Ida Bagus Yoga Atmaja.
The awardees’ devotion stems from a genuine concern for societal issues. Pande Putu Setiawan, for instance, left his job to accompany school dropouts in Batur Village, Bali, mobilizing young people to work together to improve children’s lives and education.
Similar stories come from other award recipients. Although they never expected recognition for what they do, they appreciate these awards, which motivate and encourage them to continue spreading goodness.
“My task is not finished yet; there are still many targets to pursue. This award motivates me to continue doing good,” said Mukhanif Yusuf.
Alumni Gathering
The Alumni Gathering Night, an annual event fostering connections and solidarity among UGM alumni, featured award presentations, entertainment, and the launch of a collaborative book titled “Artificial Intelligence Compilation.”
The occasion also included the symbolic handover of various scholarships, such as KAGAMA Scholarship, Sahabat UGM Scholarship, Gadjah Mada Peduli and Orang Tua Asuh Scholarship, and KAGAMA Golf Scholarship, emphasizing the lasting impact and unity of the UGM community.
Dr. A.A.G.N. Ari Dwipayana, the Secretary-General of the KAGAMA Central Board, noted that this year marks KAGAMA’s 65th anniversary. Expressing the organization’s unwavering support for UGM’s growth, he envisions KAGAMA continuing to contribute to the university’s excellence and pride.
“For 65 years, KAGAMA has been an inseparable part of the university’s and the nation’s journey. As an organization, we will always support UGM to grow into an excellent university,” said Dr. Dwipayana.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Donnie