On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Graduation Ceremony for the Postgraduate Program 2023/2023 I period at Auditorium Biologi Tropika. The ceremony was inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Also present were the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., the Head of the Master’s Program (Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si.), the Head of the Doctoral Program (Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.), and all committee members involved in the event.
The event commenced at 1:00 PM (WIB), with the opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” the Gadjah Mada University Hymn, and the Faculty Biology March. The event continued with a traditional dance performance from Banyuwangi, East Java, titled “Tari Sorote Lintang Kemukus” presented by the Gebyar Laskar KMP from the Faculty of Biology.
The graduation report was delivered by Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., the Head of the Master’s Program . The First Period of Academic Year 2023/2024 there were four graduates from the doctoral program, two graduates with cumlaude predicates and two with very satisfaction predicates, the average length of study was 4 years and 8 months and the average GPA was 3.99. For the Master Program there were 15 graduates with six graduates with cumlaude predicates, 8 graduates with very satisfaction predicates and one graduate with satisfaction predicates, the average length of study was 2 years and 9 months and the average GPA was 3.70. The Highest GPA was obtained by Clara Artha Febriana, S.TP., M.Sc., with a GPA of 3.97.
Next, there is a reading of the graduates graduation results by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the postgraduates by Dr. Sari Budi Moria Sembiring, M. Biotech. He expressed congratulations to the graduates who have reached the pinnacle of success after undergoing a lengthy and challenging process, adapting to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The various challenges faced have taught the graduates to adapt to diverse conditions, manage their time, self, and prioritize effectively, making them stronger and more resilient. She also expressed gratitude to all the professors and educators who have imparted invaluable knowledge, leading to a profound understanding of biological sciences and serving as motivation for further academic pursuits. She extended her thanks to the thesis and dissertation advisors for their guidance, motivation, and direction in research and thesis writing, enabling the successful completion of master’s and doctoral degrees. She hoped that the knowledge gained would be of benefit to society and the surrounding environment and wished for the Faculty of Biology, UGM, to continue to excel and become the best in Indonesia. Her address concluded with a poem, “salad with pomfret, the red pomfret, graduation is the beginning, for a brighter future ahead.”Followed by remarks from the parents’ representatives by Mr Muslim, S.Ag., parents of Risyda Hayati, S.Pd., M.Sc. He expressed his gratitude to the Faculty of Biology and also noted that the graduates would become remarkably interesting individuals due to their intelligence and capabilities. On behalf of the parents, he emphasized that no matter how high the knowledge acquired, the graduates would always be their children. Therefore, he hoped that the graduates would be individuals who could actualize whatever they gained. The address concluded with a quatrain, “tanjung pinang tanjung kelaya, people adorned in academic regalia, hearts filled with genuine joy, parents witnessing their children’s graduation.”
Following the address, a pin was awarded as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. to representatives of graduates Dr. Rina Arimarsetiowati, S.P., M.Sc., and Muhammad Said Rifqi, S.Pd., M.Sc.. The final address was delivered by Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. He extended a warm welcome to the graduates and parents from 11 provinces, expressing joy at the graduation event. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather in the Auditorium Biologi Tropika of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, to celebrate this momentous occasion. He also congratulated the doctoral and master’s graduates and encouraged them to further their education, including the utilization of scholarships provided by the government, such as the LPDP and BPI scholarships. The Faculty of Biology, UGM, also offers scholarships for both master’s and doctoral programs every year (regular or By Research). Furthermore, the doctoral program includes a double-degree option, where the Faculty of Biology was the first to confer a double-degree doctoral program from UGM and a partner university in France. On behalf of the faculty, he prayed for the graduates already in the workforce to have successful careers and expressed that the Faculty of Biology would be delighted if the graduates collaborated with their alma mater. For graduates not yet employed, he hoped they would soon find desired positions in line with their aspirations. He also apologized for any shortcomings in services and education experienced by the graduates. He expressed gratitude to the professors, laboratory heads, and educational staff who have guided, taught, and served the students and alumni. In closing, he asked the parents to continue praying for the success of the graduates. His address concluded with the couplet, “rice cake with coconut milk, let forgiveness be granted” and “flamboyant flowers, basil flowers, that’s all, and thank you.”
The event concluded with the presentation of mementos from the graduates of the First Period of Academic Year 2023/2024, represented by Dr. Fitri Nadifah, S.Si., M.Sc., to Mr. Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. The ceremony ended with a prayer led by Mr. Sumarno, S.Si., M.Sc., followed by a group photo. This graduation ceremony demonstrates that despite challenges, this important moment can still be celebrated smoothly and joyfully, with 19 graduates in attendance, accompanied by their parents or representatives, in the Tropic Biology Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University. [Author: KMP]
