EduAsiaNews, Surabaya — Universities are expected to produce graduates who can turn knowledge into solutions to societal challenges. In response to this need, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa) conferred degrees on 1,511 graduates at its 123rd graduation ceremony, highlighting the importance of leadership, innovation, and meaningful contributions to national development.
The ceremony was held at Graha Unesa on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, under the theme “Progressive, Innovative, and Contributive Unesa Graduates for Golden Indonesia 2045.”
In his scientific address, Yoke Candra Katon, commissioner of PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, emphasized the importance of fostering cross-sector collaboration through the vision “From Connection to Collaboration, From Reputation to Impact.”
He said alumni should serve as strategic links between universities, industry, and government to ensure that knowledge generates added value.
“Through five leadership pillars — nurturing networks, upholding integrity, actively sharing knowledge, having the courage to take on strategic roles, and creating a lasting legacy of positive impact — alumni are expected not merely to pursue personal careers, but also to create employment opportunities and develop solutions for the public,” he said.
Echoing this message, Unesa Rector Nurhasan reminded graduates that graduation marks the beginning of a journey to demonstrate both their competencies and their social responsibility. Alumni, he said, should continue learning, developing their creativity, and remaining humble when addressing societal challenges.
“We hope Unesa graduates will be able to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public needs, whether through research development, industrial innovation, public services, or community empowerment. The success of higher education should therefore also be reflected in the benefits it delivers to society,” he said.
The ceremony also highlighted Unesa’s international reach. Two international graduates attended in person: Yusra Ali Idris, a Sudanese student from the master’s program in management at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), and Fameela Lateh, a Thai student from the undergraduate English Education Study Program at the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS).
Meanwhile, six other graduates from China — Tan Shiyi, Liang Baihan, Huang Kuidong, Li Xingyin, Gui Sijie, and Gui Simei — participated in the ceremony online. They graduated from the master’s program in educational management at the Faculty of Education (FIP).
Through the graduation ceremony, Unesa aims to prepare its graduates to address societal needs and contribute to national progress. Their contributions are expected to help develop a competitive, adaptable, and integrity-driven workforce in support of the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
At the ceremony, Unesa also awarded education savings accounts and scholarships for further study to the outstanding graduates from each faculty and academic level. The recipients of the awards at Unesa’s 123rd graduation ceremony were:
- Dini Aprilia Bumiyati, GPA 3.94, Applied Bachelor’s Program in Fashion Design, Faculty of Vocational Studies.
- Zinni Akmalia, GPA 3.95, Undergraduate Study Program in Primary School Teacher Education, Faculty of Education.
- Anggun Fitra Pradita, GPA 3.98, Undergraduate Study Program in Visual Communication Design, Faculty of Languages and Arts.
- Fanya Az-Zahra Fakhressy, GPA 3.91, Undergraduate Study Program in Science Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
- Ananda Fatiha Nabila, GPA 3.94, Undergraduate Study Program in Pancasila and Civic Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences.
- Fadila Noviantika, GPA 3.94, Undergraduate Study Program in Fashion Education, Faculty of Engineering.
- Ramadhani Satria Yoga Saputra, GPA 3.87, Undergraduate Study Program in Sports Science, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences.
- Silvia Marfiatus Sholihah, GPA 3.90, Undergraduate Study Program in Economics Education, Faculty of Economics and Business.
- Indra Jaya Krisdiansyah, GPA 3.83, Undergraduate Study Program in Law, Faculty of Law.
- Satria Dewangga Putra Mahendra, GPA 3.86, Undergraduate Study Program in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology.
- Agil Zuhal Triandro, GPA 4.00, Master’s Program in Biology Education.
- Eli Retnowati, GPA 3.96, Doctoral Program in Management.
