UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP., awarded full Master’s scholarships in Management to two exceptional graduates: Muhammad Ridho, S.M., a graduate with disabilities from the Faculty of Economics and Business, and Mahmud Kholil Shofa Siagian, S.E., a mosque caretaker (marbot) from the Faculty of Islamic Studies. The scholarships were presented during the second day of the second graduation ceremony of 2025 at Selecta Convention Hall, Jalan Listrik No. 2, Medan, on Wednesday (12/11).
In his remarks, Rector Prof. Agussani expressed deep appreciation for both graduates, recognizing their extraordinary determination in pursuing higher education and their inspiring impact on the academic community.
“I truly appreciate our graduates, especially those who shared their reflections today. This proves that UMSU always values its students and alumni. We need role models like them, and for that reason, we are granting full scholarships for the Master of Management program at UMSU,” Prof. Agussani stated before 1,177 graduates from the Faculties of Islamic Studies, Economics and Business, Agriculture, Social and Political Sciences, and Engineering.
He emphasized that the achievements of these two graduates are a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, religious, and globally competitive academic environment.
Earlier, graduate representative Muhammad Ridho, S.M., who lives with disabilities, delivered a heartfelt graduation speech. Despite physical limitations and ongoing health challenges, he completed his studies with remarkable perseverance.
“I went through this journey with limited mobility and health constraints. My father passed away when I was four, and two years ago I also lost my mother while she was performing the Hajj. Today, I celebrate this joyful moment without my parents, but I am grateful to have my older sibling here,” he shared.
He added that although the journey was difficult, those hardships made him stronger.
“Believe me, we are all extraordinary for having the courage to come this far. Thank you, UMSU—an inclusive, supportive, and innovation-driven campus. I will continue carrying the spirit of UMSU to make a positive impact,” Ridho said emotionally.
Meanwhile, Mahmud Kholil Shofa Siagian, S.E., is a mosque caretaker and Quran memorizer (hafidz) who studied at the Faculty of Islamic Studies. He also received a full scholarship based on his achievement as a hafidz. Mahmud has been active in various national and international programs, including the Indonesian Student Mobility Program (PMM) in Malang, MSIB, the Student Creativity Program (PKM), and an international community service program (KKN) in Cambodia.
“Through PMM and MSIB, I learned firsthand the meaning of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. During the KKN program in Cambodia, I learned to grow morally and intellectually—to become an agent of change. UMSU provides space for personal development in every field,” he said. Mahmud also presented a special achievement: winning Third Runner-up in the 2025 National Student Qur’an Recitation Competition (MTQ).
As a mosque caretaker, Mahmud shared that serving the mosque taught him discipline and responsibility in both academic and social life.
“Being a marbot is not just a duty—it’s a way for me to train discipline and contribute socially. Alhamdulillah, I pursued my studies for free through UMSU’s 100% Tahfidz Scholarship,” he added.
Prof. Dr. H. Abdullah, M.Si., Deputy Coordinator of Kopertais Region IX North Sumatra, praised the outstanding accomplishments of UMSU students at both national and international levels.
“UMSU is a source of pride for North Sumatra. For the Faculty of Islamic Studies in particular, we are proud of the trust given in implementing the PPG Program. UMSU graduates must embody excellence and forward-thinking attitudes, in line with the university’s slogan,” he said.
UMSU continues to strengthen its global reputation—ranking 1500 in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, recognized as the 13th best private university in Southeast Asia by Applied Higher Education 2025, accredited by Malaysia’s MQA since 2021, and listed as the No. 1 university in the world by UniRank/4ICU 2025.
UMSU remains committed not only to producing academically strong graduates, but also individuals who are resilient, ethical, and socially responsible—reflecting the Islamic and humanitarian values upheld by the university.
