Semarang (11/4) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held the 176th Graduation Ceremony of 2024, attended by 3,826 graduates at the Muladi Dome Multipurpose Building (GSG) on the Tembalang Campus from November 4-7, 2024.
In his speech, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. stated that UNDIP is highly committed to supporting the Indonesian government by contributing to the national Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) for Higher Education, including affirmations from 3T regions (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas), Papua, and the Bidikmisi scholarship program, which reaches 22.98%. “UNDIP is devoted to ensuring access to education for students from less fortunate economic backgrounds. This year, UNDIP has even launched free undergraduate programs in Fisheries and Marine Business Technology at the Jepara campus and provided partial scholarships for the Agribusiness program at PSDKU Batang,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
“All of this is part of UNDIP’s commitment to its tagline of dignity and benefit to society, consistently playing its part in addressing the fact that Central Java ranks second in Indonesia for the highest poverty rate,” he continued.
Prof. Suharnomo mentioned that according to The QS Graduate Employability Rankings for 2022-2023, UNDIP ranked first in Indonesia for producing graduates who quickly find employment. He hoped that the graduates would carry forward the legacy of their predecessors.
“Alhamdulillah, the government’s recognition is evident, as this year, four distinguished UNDIP alumni were appointed to the Indonesian Cabinet: Abdul Kadir Karding as Minister for Migrant Worker Protection and Chairman of IKA UNDIP, Diana as Deputy Minister of Public Works, Arif Havas Oegroseno as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak as Deputy Chair of the Hajj and Umrah Organizing Agency. This reflects the acknowledgment by both the government and society that UNDIP alumni are truly exceptional,” said the Rector.
“In the professional world, developing personal character, attitude, teamwork skills, and competence is crucial—enriching yourself with relevant knowledge. After graduation, your choices are either running your own business, being a qualified job seeker or pursuing further studies. My message is, don’t be lazy, don’t be overly sensitive, and be mindful of your online behavior since we live in a digital era where everything can be easily traced,” concluded Prof. Suharnomo.
Further, Prof. Ir. Edy Rianto, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU, Chairman of the Academic Senate, noted in his commencement address that UNDIP has achieved significant accomplishments both nationally and internationally, including being ranked as the top university in Indonesia for quick employment rates among graduates.
“I hope the graduates who have not yet found employment will soon secure jobs or create opportunities that open up employment for others,” expressed Prof. Edy.
In his report, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., stated that the 176th graduation ceremony took place over four days in four stages, comprising 71 Doctoral graduates, 299 Master’s graduates, 33 Specialist graduates, 137 Professional graduates, 2,803 Bachelor’s graduates, 407 Applied Bachelor’s graduates, and 76 Diploma graduates. The graduates also included 88 Bidikmisi scholarship recipients and 16 international students. The number of graduates with cum laude honors in this period reached 2,476 graduates or 64.72% of the total graduates. With this period’s graduates, the total number of UNDIP alumni has reached 272,172.
Prof. Heru reminded the graduates that everything requires a process, as each process provides learning. “If your efforts bring quick results, it is because Allah wants you to be grateful. If results are delayed, Allah wants you to be patient. You don’t know what your destiny holds, so work hard for your future while praying earnestly. Indeed, destiny can change if Allah wills, depending on our efforts,” he stated.
“May all graduates achieve success in their careers, be exemplary members of society, and find happiness both in this world and the hereafter. We are proud of you. Maintain your reputation, your family’s, and UNDIP’s,” Prof. Heru concluded his remarks.
The record of UNDIP’s 176th graduation ceremony can be watched on the official UNDIP TV YouTube channel. (DHW)
