Universitas Gadjah Mada organized one of its annual events commemorating its 74th anniversary, the UGM Outstanding Individuals Awards Night 2023. The event took place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Grha Sabha Pramana UGM. Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, S.H., LL.M, the Secretary of UGM, reported that 72 individuals were honored at the UGM Outstanding Individuals Awards Night 2023. The categories of recognition included outstanding alumni, exemplary faculty and researchers, best publications, community service, Outstanding Lecturer UGM-Level, knowledge dissemination through documentary videos, innovative learning via MOOC, MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) program coordinators, Outstanding staff, and Outstanding students.The Rector of UGM Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., expressed that the purpose of these awards was to motivate and appreciate UGM’s alumni, community, and all units at the university that have demonstrated outstanding contributions and performance, benefiting UGM and impacting the wider society.
The Faculty of Biology at UGM had a moment of pride as one of its lecturers, Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si, M.Sc., Ph.D., was among the recipients. She received the award for Outstanding International Lecturer in the Field of Community Service. This recognition was earned through the “Smart Integrated Education System of Agrotourism Community Services” project, previously awarded as an Outstanding Flagship Project in the RCE (Regional Centre of Expertise) Awards for Innovative Projects on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2023. The program highlighted agricultural potential in Sendangsari and Sidomulyo villages in Pengasih, Kulon Progo, involving UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN) team to build agriculture-based sustainable tourism villages. The contribution and participation of stakeholders and residents from both villages were key factors in the success of the program. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si, M.Sc., Ph.D expressed that the UGM Outstanding Individuals Award was an acknowledgment of the team’s efforts, particularly the KKN UGM student team, showcasing strategic issues, dedication, and synergy with the community. Furthermore, she hoped for continuous innovation, growth, and collaborative problem-solving in UGM’s community service activities, aiming to produce solutions collectively for societal challenges.