The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a send-off ceremony for undergraduate graduates as part of the Graduation Ceremony for Period II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year on February 25, 2026, at the Faculty’s Assembly Hall. A total of 30 students were officially awarded the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Of these, 21 graduates (70 percent) earned cum laude honors, while the remaining nine received a “very satisfactory” distinction.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, S.S., M.Hum., expressed appreciation to the graduates and their parents for their support throughout the academic journey. “Today, the sons and daughters entrusted to us several years ago have completed all their academic obligations and are officially graduating. This is a significant achievement for all of us,” she said.
She emphasized that graduation marks the beginning of a new phase in life. “From here, you return to society to apply what you have learned. Whatever field you choose to work in, all are equally noble as long as they contribute to the betterment of humanity,” she added.
Prior to the faculty ceremony, the graduates had participated in the university-wide graduation ceremony alongside undergraduate and applied undergraduate students at Grha Sabha Pramana UGM, before returning to the faculty for the internal send-off. The event was attended by graduates, parents or family representatives, and faculty members who witnessed the completion of their students’ academic journeys.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Edo Saut Hutapea—who was also named best graduate with a GPA of 3.95 and a study duration of four years, three months, and eight days—invited his peers to reflect on the meaning of graduating as philosophy scholars. He emphasized that amid the labels imposed by the job market, philosophy graduates must continue to critically question whether they exist as whole human beings or merely as functional roles.
“Our formal study of philosophy has come to an end. Yet the question ‘what comes next?’ is one we cannot avoid reflecting upon,” he said.
In addition to Edo as the top graduate, recognition was also given to Venerini Renistya Sasti Kelana as the fastest and youngest graduate, completing her studies in three years, four months, and seven days (seven semesters) with a GPA of 3.80. She is part of the first cohort of the Fast Track Undergraduate–Master’s program and is currently in her second semester of a master’s (S2) program.
The send-off ceremony served not only as an academic formality but also as a space for reflection on the intellectual journey undertaken by the graduates. A sense of emotion and pride marked the occasion, bringing together those who had been integral to the students’ educational paths.
Representing the parents, Thomson Hutapea expressed gratitude to the entire academic community of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM for their guidance throughout the students’ studies. He noted that while philosophy education demands independence, the academic environment also plays a crucial role in shaping the graduates’ ways of thinking. He encouraged graduates to contribute to society with the same spirit they brought to debating ideas in the classroom.
“Thank you for being part of our children’s academic journey. Your influence is reflected in how they think—as friends, colleagues, lecturers, and even as parental figures,” he said.