UNU Jogja Confers Degrees on 326 Graduates, Including Two Students with Disabilities

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNU) Jogja successfully held its 5th Graduation Ceremony, officially conferring degrees upon 326 new graduates including two students with disabilities on Tuesday, November 25. This year’s graduation not only marks the completion of the academic journey of the Class of 2021 but also reaffirms UNU Jogja’s commitment to providing inclusive, adaptive, and future-oriented higher education.

During the ceremony, UNU Jogja graduated students from various study programs, including 25 graduates from Informatics, 15 from Computer Engineering, 21 from Electrical Engineering, 62 from Elementary School Teacher Education, 18 from English Education, 78 from Management, 22 from Accounting, 11 from Agribusiness, 21 from Food Technology, 30 from Pharmacy, and 33 from Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies. Overall, the graduates represent five faculties: the Faculty of Information Technology (61 graduates), the Faculty of Education (80 graduates), the Faculty of Halal Industries (63 graduates), the Faculty of Economics (89 graduates), and the Faculty of Islamic Studies (33 graduates).

In her remarks, Rector of UNU Jogja Widya Priyahita Pudjibudojo emphasized that university graduates are expected not only to excel academically but also to become individuals who create meaningful impact in society. “You carry the privilege of being university graduates. That privilege comes with the responsibility to contribute and make a difference,” she stated. She also highlighted the importance of parents’ blessings as a foundation for success and expressed an apology for any shortcomings during the academic process.

The commitment to improving the quality of education was also acknowledged by the Head of LLDIKTI Region V Yogyakarta, Prof. Setyabudi Indartono, who praised UNU Jogja for its progressive efforts in preparing graduates who are competent, adaptive, and equipped with strong integrity amid the evolving demands of the workforce.

UNU Jogja’s dedication to inclusivity was reflected in the graduation of two students with disabilities, both from the Elementary School Teacher Education program: Ahlan Indah Afrani and Nur Atikha. Their academic journey stands as a testament to the power of equal access to education in enabling all students to grow and succeed. Their achievements highlight UNU Jogja’s increasingly supportive and responsive environment for students with disabilities.

As part of the ceremony, UNU Jogja presented the Best Graduate Award to Eisya Syifa Yazidatul Hakim, S.Pd., from the Elementary School Teacher Education program. Her academic excellence, consistency throughout her studies, and active engagement in various activities serve as an inspiration to her fellow graduates and reflect the high standard of the Faculty of Education.

Harisna Hikmah, Deputy Director of Academic Governance, also delivered a motivational message to the graduates. She emphasized that in today’s era of disruption, graduates are not merely completing their studies but entering a world that is constantly and rapidly changing. Therefore, they are encouraged to become adaptive individuals with strong curiosity, the ability to face challenges, the courage to fail, and the commitment to never stop learning — so they can continue to create positive impact for their communities and society.

The ceremony concluded with emotional moments as graduates received their diplomas and paid respects to their parents. This milestone marks the end of one phase of their journey and the beginning of a new chapter in which UNU Jogja’s graduates are expected to continue serving, contributing, and making meaningful impacts for society, the nation, and the world. [Latifah]