IPB University Graduates 514 Students, Rector Emphasizes the Importance of Real Work and Adapting to Change
IPB University conferred degrees on 514 graduates during the 8th Graduation Ceremony of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, held at Grha Widya Wisuda, IPB Dramaga Campus, on Wednesday (7/23). The graduates included 41 doctoral degree recipients, 174 master’s degree recipients, and 299 bachelor’s degree recipients.
In his address, IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria emphasized the importance of turning inspiration into tangible achievements and the ability to adapt amid technological disruption.
“Inspiration is the ability to motivate others to think and act toward progress. In line with IPB’s motto, Inspiring Innovation with Integrity, inspiration is only achieved through work of integrity,” said Prof Arif.
He cited several IPB University alumni and students who have demonstrated tangible achievements. For example, Ilham Indanu Sitepu. This alumnus of the Faculty of Economics and Management has successfully exported agricultural products to Malaysia and Singapore through the One Village One CEO program, which now reaches 1.430 villages.
Meanwhile, Al Fiqie, a seventh-semester student, has exported betel nuts to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. “They don’t just talk; they deliver results. Creating jobs and added value,” he added.
In response to the rapid pace of technological change, Prof Arif noted that current skills will only remain relevant at around 60 percent in the next five years. To address this, IPB University is providing 8.500 free microcredential accounts as part of its reskilling efforts for graduates.
“For alumni who have not secured employment within six months of graduation, we offer a free reskilling onboarding program,” he explained.
He also conveyed three important messages to the graduates. First, become a true learner. “Graduation is the beginning of learning to become a true learner. Once you stop learning, you start dying (Einstein). Make the fields, markets, and farmers your teachers,” he advised.
Second, focus on future practices. “Best practices make us followers, while future practices make us leaders,” he said.
Third, strengthen character and integrity. “Research shows: honesty and discipline are more decisive for success than a high GPA. The support of a life partner is also more crucial than IQ,” he emphasized.
At the end of his speech, Prof Arif quoted a philosophical message: “The best of humanity is those who bring benefit to others. The higher the education, the broader and more sustainable the responsibility to bring benefit must be.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Central Executive Board of the Alumni Association (DPP HA) of IPB University, drh Sukma Kamajaya, MM, extended congratulations and best wishes to the graduates. He also welcomed the graduates as part of the larger HA IPB University family.
drh Sukma Kamajaya emphasized that HA IPB University focuses on three main pillars of service: leadership development, social responsibility, and business. “These three pillars form the foundation of IPB alumni service: cultivating young leaders, serving the community, and collectively building the economic strength of alumni,” he said. (Fj)(IAAS/FMT)
