Yogyakarta, October 12, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology organized a talkshow titled “Inspiring Minds, Shaping Future” as part of the anniversary celebration of UGM’s Faculty of Biology, also serving as a moment for fellowship and bidding farewell to retiring faculty members. The event took place at the Auditorium Biologi Tropika, Faculty of Biology, and featured Prof. Dr. Tjut S. Djohan, M.Sc. from the Ecology Laboratory and Dra. Siti Susanti, SU. from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory as speakers. The event was attended by faculty leaders, all faculty members, and staff of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. “On behalf of the Faculty of Biology, we express our gratitude to Prof. Tjut and Ms. Siti Susanti for their dedication,” stated Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in his address. He also emphasized that dedication and devotion are not easy, especially considering that Prof. Tjut and Dra. Siti Susanti has served the Faculty of Biology for over 40 years.
Before proceeding to the discussion session, which was moderated by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si, M.Si, Ph.D., a video expressing gratitude to the retiring faculty members was shown. Faculty members and lab assistants from the Ecology Laboratory conveyed their impressions and gratitude to Prof. Tjut. As for Dra.Siti Susanti, messages, impressions, and gratitude were shared by faculty members, lab assistants, and her mentored students from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory. Additionally, messages, impressions, and gratitude for Mr. Bambang Agus Suripto were conveyed by faculty members and lab assistants from the Animal Systematics Laboratory.
Prof. Tjut, a native of Sabang, Nanggroe Aceh Darusalam, shared his journey from his hometown to Jogja and his subsequent dedication as a faculty member in the Faculty of Biology. He expressed how his hometown, located at the tip of Indonesia, near the coast, sparked his interest in pursuing Biology. Dra.Siti Susanti also shared how she entered the field of Biology based on her family’s guidance and how she chose to devote herself as a faculty member in the Faculty of Biology. Prof. Jusup Subagja, the Chairperson of Teratai (Association of Retired Faculty Members of the Faculty of Biology, UGM), was also present at the event. He conveyed his message, particularly to Prof. Tjut, for his service in the same laboratory. Dra.Siti Susanti then recounted her interesting experiences when she first began teaching under the guidance of Prof. Issirep. At that time, technology was not as advanced as it is today, and she shared the dynamics of teaching and mentoring students during that period. Prof. Tjut also shared his early teaching experiences, initially in Fisheries before teaching in Biology. “Changes must be approached with caution, full of innovation and creativity, rather than diminishing productivity,” Prof. Tjut responded to the challenges of future changes. Dra. Siti Susanti added about the importance of upholding honesty in the campus environment.
Following this, mementos were presented from the Faculty of Biology, as well as from the Plant Development Structure Laboratory and the Ecology Laboratory, to both speakers. The Faculty of Biology provided plaques and scarves as a token of appreciation for the dedication of these retiring faculty members. The talk show concluded with camaraderie and karaoke, followed by a shared lunch. It is hoped that the event serves as a platform for fellowship and as a tangible expression of gratitude for the service of these retiring faculty members, while also motivating young faculty members and students, in line with the support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the enhancement of education quality (SDG 4).