UGM Honors 71 Recipients of 2025 Outstanding Individuals Awards

A total of 71 Outstanding Individuals of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2025 received awards as part of the commemoration of UGM’s 76th Anniversary. The awards were presented by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, along with other university leaders at the Outstanding Individual Awards Night held at Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday evening (Dec. 9). 

The 71 awardees were recognized across six categories: outstanding alumni, outstanding students, outstanding lecturers, outstanding staff, outstanding faculties or study programs/work units, and start-ups with intellectual property adoption for Indonesia.

Professor Ova Emilia expressed her great joy on the awards night, as she witnessed the presentation of 71 Outstanding Individual Awards for 2025 across various categories. She also conveyed her appreciation to all lecturers, researchers, staff, alumni, and students who participated or were nominated for the 2025 program.

“Since it was first held in 2006, this event has been specifically aimed at motivating and appreciating alumni, lecturers, students, work units, and staff who have made their best contributions and demonstrated outstanding performance, thereby supporting the development of the University’s Tri Dharma and creating a broader impact on society,” said Professor Emilia.

The rector noted that the presentation of awards to UGM’s outstanding individuals symbolizes the university’s gratitude and pride in the dedication and integrity demonstrated through creative and innovative work, service, and achievements that advance Universitas Gadjah Mada. 

As for participants or nominees who were not selected this year, she expressed confidence that there would be future opportunities to continue achieving and innovating.

For Professor Emilia, receiving an award is not the ultimate goal for UGM’s outstanding achievers in their work at the university. 

Instead, the recognition represents a new responsibility to continue inspiring and motivating colleagues, encouraging collective progress as a unified team capable of achieving excellence. 

“May all outstanding achievers honored tonight continue to inspire the creation of an effective and competitive work ecosystem in support of UGM’s vision and mission in the years to come. Keep creating and spreading positive impact in our surroundings,” she remarked.

The Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM), Professor Suryono, representing the committee of UGM’s 76th Anniversary, stated that under the anniversary theme “Healthy Campus: Pillars of Independence and National Resilience”, UGM is committed to building an ecosystem that is physically, mentally, socially, and intellectually healthy as the foundation of national strength in facing global challenges. 

According to him, with more than 59,000 students, around 3,500 lecturers, and 4,400 educational staff, UGM bears a moral responsibility to ensure that all members of the academic community continue to grow, enhance their competencies, and produce their best work. 

“Through this awards event, we emphasize that a healthy campus ecosystem is not only about physical well-being, but also about a culture of achievement, integrity, innovation, and tangible contributions to society. Tonight’s award recipients reflect these values,” he said.

In 2025, awards were presented across six categories: Outstanding Students (17 recipients, both teams and individuals), Outstanding Alumni (5 recipients), Outstanding Staff (9 recipients), and Outstanding Lecturers (23 recipients). 

In addition, one award was given to a start-up with the highest adoption of intellectual property, and 14 awards were presented to outstanding faculties, study programs, or work units. 

The university also conferred awards for academic innovation in the faculty-driven fast-track programs category and for non-academic innovation in the clean culture category. 

“These awards serve as a form of appreciation for faculties that consistently promote the development of outstanding talent and study programs, as well as for units that have successfully implemented clean and healthy learning environments,” he explained.

Professor Suryono added that these achievements not only elevate the reputation of individuals or units but also reinforce UGM’s role as a pillar of national resilience, in line with this year’s anniversary theme. 

He expressed hope that UGM will continue to be a fertile home for the growth of innovation, independence, and resilience for the Indonesian nation.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Rajendra Arya

Photographer: Donnie Trisfian