The UMSU Faculty of Agriculture graduated 141 students in the first semester of 2025 at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Wednesday (2/7).
The graduates comprised four programmes: Agrotechnology (61 graduates), Agribusiness (64 graduates), Agricultural Product Technology (14 graduates), and Master of Agricultural Science (2 graduates).
UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, expressed pride in the graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture and their role as the next generation of Indonesia’s food security.
He also commended the graduates who came from farming backgrounds yet managed to achieve academic and non-academic excellence.
“I shed tears earlier. The struggles of these agricultural students are extraordinary. They not only graduated but proved that creativity and perseverance can lead them to national and international achievements,” the Rector said emotionally.
Moreover, Prof. Agussani is proud of the contributions made by students involved in the Gardening Volunteers programme, who successfully managed the campus garden, now an iconic green space at UMSU.
“The appearance of the campus today is the tangible work of the gardening volunteers from the Faculty of Agriculture. This is a history that must be remembered,” he added.
The UMSU Rector hopes that the graduates will contribute to food security in Indonesia. As an appreciation, the UMSU Rector awarded a 50% scholarship to the graduates to pursue their master’s degree.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at UMSU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dafni Mawar Tarigan, S.P., M.Si., expressed gratitude to all university staff and lecturers who have accompanied the educational process of the students.
“You are the millennial generation of agriculture who will become the cornerstone of progress in this sector. Revitalise the agricultural world through digitalisation,” he emphasised.
Also providing guidance, the former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Ir. Zulkifli Lubis, MPP, offered valuable advice on the meaning of accepting one’s destiny and remaining enthusiastic about whatever path life takes.
“Whatever God gives us, accept it with gratitude. Enjoy it and work hard at it, even if it wasn’t our initial choice,” he said.
Then, the representative of the outstanding graduates, Muhammad Dio Fadilayulas, SP, shared his story of perseverance during his studies while working as a volunteer in landscaping and actively participating in academic and entrepreneurial activities.
“I want everyone to know that no matter who we are or where we come from, if we have the spirit and belief, we can achieve anything,” he said enthusiastically.
He also added, “Thank you to my parents and the Deputy Dean 3 for providing us with job opportunities. This support not only had an economic impact but also shaped us into accomplished individuals.”
Meanwhile, Nur Cahaya, SP, who has won various national and international awards, expressed her gratitude to the rectorate and faculty leadership through a humorous yet meaningful pantun (traditional Malay poem).
“The Rector has always been a role model; insha’Allah, the master’s scholarship is secured,” she said, greeted with laughter and applause.
She also added, “Thanks to the rectorate’s assistance, I was able to fly on a plane for the first time and win the national essay competition in Lombok.”
The event continued with the presentation of sashes and awards to the top students from each programme: Eti Suryani Hasibuan, SP (Agrotechnology, GPA 3.88), Putri Holijah, SP (Agribusiness, GPA 3.82), Nurcahaya, SP (Agricultural Product Technology, GPA 3.85), and Anjas Edowansa, SP., MP (Master of Agricultural Science, GPA 3.91).
The event was held solemnly and attended by the dean’s office, programme heads, and former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ir. Zulkifli Lubis, MPP, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sayid Umar, M.S, Prof. Lecturers from the 2009-2017 period, Prof. Dr. Alridiwirsah
Dean from 2017-2021, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narniar, MP, and Senior Lecturer Ir. Suryawati, M.S.
