A total of 100 graduates from the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), took part in the graduation ceremony of the Undergraduate Psychology Program, 4th Period of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, held at Hall D on Wednesday (Aug 26). Of these, 76 came from the regular program and 24 from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP). This marked the largest number of graduates in the history of the Faculty of Psychology UGM. Notably, 85 percent, or 85 graduates, earned the cum laude distinction (regular: 64; IUP: 21).
Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his pride in this achievement.
“This is a joyful moment as we release 100 new psychology graduates. This is a record in the history of graduation ceremonies at the Faculty of Psychology UGM,” he said.
He added that the majority of graduates this period earned cum laude honors.
“The fact that 85 percent of this year’s graduates finished with cum laude illustrates an almost perfect mastery of psychology,” he explained.
The highest Grade Point Averages (GPA) were achieved by Anindya Reva Tabina from the regular program and Imelda Puspadewi Hamzah from IUP. The fastest graduates to complete their studies—3 years, 8 months, and 7 days—were Adibah Intan Ratri and Raudha Shula Alaina (regular program), and Imelda Puspadewi Hamzah (IUP) who completed hers in 3 years, 8 months, and 17 days. The youngest graduates were Gresia Margareht Sitorus (regular program, 20 years, 9 months, 13 days) and Galuh Kumarra Murti (IUP, 20 years, 10 months).
The Dean also emphasized that graduation does not mark the end of graduates’ relationship with the faculty, but rather the beginning of their new status as alumni.
“You are released only in an administrative sense. It does not mean that the Faculty of Psychology is letting you go and closing its doors. You are released as students, but now you transition into members of the psychology alumni family,” he conveyed.
On behalf of the graduates, Rania Balqis Ilyasa expressed her gratitude and appreciation, highlighting that this achievement was made possible with the support of many.
“Thank you to ourselves for fighting, enduring, and trying, even when we felt doubt, exhaustion, and the urge to give up. Today, let’s take a moment to appreciate ourselves for not giving up,” said Rania.
She added that graduation is only the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties that demand courage.
“Psychology teaches us that uncertainty is part of human life, and how we respond to it will determine the course of our lives. It is in uncertainty that we find our courage, our creativity, and our resilience,” she noted.
“Being brave is not about having no fear, but about taking steps despite fear,” she continued.
A similar message came from Drs. Wisnu Zaroh, M.Si., parent of graduate Avina Zulfa, who encouraged the graduates to keep their spirits high as they take their next steps.
“Do not be easily satisfied with the current achievement. This is not the end of your struggle in life, but the beginning of your true journey,” he said.
Representing the Gadjah Mada Psychology Alumni Family (KAPSIGAMA), Prabaswara Dewi, S.Psi., Psychologist, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to stay connected with their alma mater.
“We invite you to connect with KAPSIGAMA and maintain lifelong ties. Your alma mater will always be a part of you, wherever you go, carrying the name of UGM. So, be proud and safeguard the name of your alma mater,” she concluded.
At the ceremony, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Wenty Marina Minza, M.A., presented transcripts to IUP graduates. Next, the Head of the Undergraduate Psychology Program, Dr. Ridwan Saptoto, S.Psi., M.A., Psychologist, presented transcripts to regular program graduates. The Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Sumaryono, M.Si., Psychologist, draped the alumni scarf over the representative graduate, Timo Kurniady from the regular program, followed by all graduates doing the same on their own.
The event concluded with a prayer led by Muhammad Badrun and a group photo session.
Writer: Erna Tri Nofiyana