The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held a yudisium ceremony for 107 graduates of the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) Program, Batch II of 2024. The event took place on Saturday (Sept 13) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
According to the Decree read by FKIP UMSU Vice Dean I, Dr. Dewi Kesuma, S.S., 17 graduates came from the Guidance and Counseling Department and 90 from the Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Program.
The ceremony was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si. In his remarks, he emphasized that graduation is not the end of the journey.
“This is not the final step in developing professionalism as a teacher. It is the beginning of becoming an even more professional educator. We are confident that UMSU has prepared you well to be competent teachers. This reflects UMSU’s commitment to providing quality education at every stage. Whatever profession you pursue, always give your best effort to achieve excellent results,” he stated.
Dr. Rudianto also highlighted the essential role of teachers as the foundation of the nation.
“Teachers form the foundation of Indonesia’s progress. Work sincerely, diligently, and with professionalism. Keep reading and broadening your knowledge, so you don’t fall behind. This is the essence of being a teacher, especially as Generation Z educators who already master technology,” he added.
Meanwhile, FKIP Dean Dra. Syamsuyurnita, M.Pd, stressed the importance of professional teachers in advancing education.
“Congratulations on becoming professional teachers. We encourage you to contribute to the progress of education in Indonesia. Thank you for completing the PPG program—now it is time to continue by creating and innovating. With the support you’ve received, it’s your turn to excel and make a mark. On behalf of the faculty leadership, I congratulate you on earning your teaching certificate. May this achievement bring benefits, and remember that from today, you are proud alumni of FKIP UMSU,” she said.
Representing the graduates, Yayang L. Azhar, S.Pd., Gr., shared his inspiring journey.
“Alhamdulillah, during my year at UMSU, I learned a valuable lesson—that parents’ blessings are key to Allah’s blessing. I came here with my parents’ permission to pursue education. Though my parents are not teachers, I had the dream of becoming one, and they, especially my father, supported me wholeheartedly,” he shared.
He went on to explain that the path to becoming a teacher was not always easy, but with his parents’ encouragement and the PPG program, the way was opened.
“After completing my bachelor’s degree, I realized it wasn’t that easy to become a teacher. I tried other professions but failed, until I heard about the PPG program. Encouraged by my parents, I joined—and alhamdulillah, the path became clear. I realized teaching was my destiny, even though my parents never held academic titles,” he said.
In closing, Yayang offered a heartfelt message:
“Never listen to negative perceptions about the teaching profession. Teaching is a noble calling. To the President, I humbly ask for more attention to the welfare of teachers, as this profession is sometimes undervalued,” he remarked.
The event was also attended by FKIP leaders, program heads, PPG coordinators, partner school principals, supervising teachers and lecturers, as well as parents of the graduates. FKIP UMSU reaffirmed its commitment to preparing excellent, professional, and ethical educators dedicated to advancing the nation’s education.
