A mix of joy and poignant emotion marked the send-off ceremony for graduates of the Postgraduate Program at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), for Period IV of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held on Wednesday (22/7).. Following the UGM Postgraduate Graduation ceremony at Grha Sabha Pramana, FTP UGM sent off 15 graduates, comprising eight graduates from the Master’s Study Program in Food Science and Technology, six graduates from the Master’s Study Program in Agricultural Engineering, and one graduate from the Doctoral Study Program in Food Science. Amid the graduates’ joy, the ceremony was also marked by a sense of loss following the passing of Theresia Cici Marisi Sinaga, S.T.P., M.Sc., a graduate of the Master’s Study Program in Agricultural Engineering who was unable to attend the graduation ceremony. The presence of her family, attending on her behalf, was a deeply moving moment for all present.
Dean of FTP UGM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., congratulated all graduates on the successful completion of their studies. According to her, the academic degrees earned were the result of a long journey filled with struggle, dedication, and support from family, lecturers, and the academic community.
“For all graduates, this marks the end of a long academic journey filled with hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. Behind the diploma you received this morning lies a story of struggle, prayer, family support, and guidance from your lecturers that brought you to this point,” said Prof. Eni.
On this occasion, Prof. Eni also invited all those present to remember one of the graduates who had passed away. She extended her condolences to the family of the late Theresia Cici Marisi Sinaga, who attended the send-off ceremony on her behalf.
“Yet our joy today is also tinged with sorrow. On behalf of the leadership of FTP UGM, I extend my deepest condolences to the family she leaves behind. May she be granted the best place beside Allah SWT, may all her shortcomings be forgiven and her good deeds accepted, and may her family be granted patience, strength, and comfort,” she said.
Prof. Eni further urged the graduates to always use the knowledge they had gained to benefit society. She noted that future challenges call for graduates who possess not only academic competence, but also integrity, empathy, the ability to collaborate, and the spirit to deliver solutions to the nation’s various challenges.
“To the graduates, congratulations on your achievement. The degree you now hold is not the end of the learning process, but a greater responsibility. The world needs individuals who excel not only academically, but who also carry integrity, empathy, the ability to collaborate, and the courage to deliver solutions to the nation’s challenges,” she said.
For this period, Yuniar Wika Perdana Putri, S.T.P., M.Sc., from the Master’s Study Program in Food Science and Technology achieved the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) at the master’s level, with a perfect score of 4.00, completing her studies in 1 year, 10 months, and 6 days. Meanwhile, Dr. Dea Tio Mareta, S.T.P., M.Sc., from the Doctoral Study Program in Food Science achieved the highest GPA at the doctoral level, also 4.00, completed over 4 years, 10 months, and 2 days. The title of fastest-graduating student went to Zahva Shivany Imanul Kamil, S.T.P., M.Sc., from the Master’s Study Program in Food Science and Technology, who completed her studies in 1 year, 4 months, and 17 days, while the title of youngest graduate went to Rifa Fahmida, S.T.P., M.Sc., from the Master’s Study Program in Agricultural Engineering, who graduated at the age of 22 years, 8 months, and 27 days.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Dr. Dea Tio Mareta, S.T.P., M.Sc., expressed gratitude for the achievement and appreciation to the lecturers, education staff, family, and fellow students who had been part of her academic journey at FTP UGM. She expressed hope that the spirit of learning and collaboration built during her studies would continue to guide her career and service to society.
The send-off ceremony marks the emergence of a new generation of FTP UGM graduates ready to make their mark across various professional fields. Equipped with knowledge, integrity, and a spirit of innovation, the graduates are expected to make a real contribution in addressing challenges in food, agriculture, and technology in support of sustainable development.
This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the delivery of quality higher education that produces competent graduates, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the strengthening of alumni networks expected to continue collaborating in the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development.
Contributor: Bernadetta Shella