The existence of alumni is an important asset for a higher education institution. As campus ambassadors, the alumni’s behaviour, achievements, and actions will carry the institution’s name. Implicitly, a solid and synergical relation between alumni and university is a mean of reaching the university’s vision.
Though physically distant, the longing for the moment to return to campus is strong. Presently the activity is not merely a simple reunion but more essential, inclusive and intimate. Its essence was translated into an alumni-sharing activity that is not ceremonial in nature; its inclusiveness meant reaching out to all academic society’s members; and intimate meant warm closeness or togetherness between students and alumni.
Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR) has many competent alumni in different occupations. Take for example Maruarar Sirait (member of the Republic of Indonesia House of Representative), Yunarto Widjaja (CEO Charta Politica), Paulus Winarto (Leadership Trainer), Annisa Pagih (Television Host), Drs. Boedi Siswanto Basuki (owner of Yogya group), Baron Suprayogi (Musician), Rizky Darmasetiawan (Founder of Briz Entertainment), and Yosi Mokalu (Singer). They all returned to campus to share their stories and expereriences to UNPAR students in a talkshow that is part of the Parahyangan Alumni Day (PAD) 2016.
Alumni’s Strategic Role
The Alumni’s success in numerous occupations based on their interests and competence is an indicator for a university’s success.
Alumni act as a bridge in improving a university’s quality. Their experiences can help scientific development both theoretically and practically. Alumni can share ideas, various kinds of inputs, and constructive criticism to the university. In addition, alumni can become motivators and inspirators for students who are currently studying at this university.
Alumni Day
With the title “Together in Memories, Giving Meaning to the Future”, the Students Presidency/ Kepresidenan Mahasiswa (LKM) in cooperation with the Parahyangan Catholic University Alumni Association /Ikatan Alumni (IKA) UNPAR hosted the PAD 2016.
The event was aimed at strenghtening the relationship between UNPAR students and alumni. The event was divided into series of sub-events such as “Alumni Giving Back”, talkshow, and the main event.
For three weeks, talkshows with interesting titles such as. “Making a career in politics? Fear Not!”, “Find Your Passion and Make A Living From It!”, “Expanding Your Career Business”, “Change Your Mindset to be a Creative Person”, and “Working in the Entertainment World”.
Through the talkshows, the alumni shared many unique and inspirational stories while they had been students and after they had worked. The talkshow event with alumni can provide experiences shared to UNPAR students before they work and enter the professional world.
Based on some alumni’s explanation in the talkshows, there was an agreement that students as open-minded youths need to comprehend their interest and passion in order for them to be able to attain a high level of achievement and contribute actively to their alma mater, Indonesia or even the world.
Ideally, young people are able to actively, creatively, and rsponsibly attain logical and empirical experiences during their tenure as students. Learning is not only from books, because what’s important is how we transform knowledge to become action.
Mental preparedness and working wholeheartedly is crucial to facing life dynamics with all its risks. The alumni hoped that UNPAR‘s young generation has the determination to work in the real world.
The closing for PAD 2016 event was held on Saturday (27/2) with music performances by both alumni and students, food bazaar, games, and the declaration of “Alumni Give Back”
The climax for PAD 2016 that was held in the rectorate’s parking lot was filled with activities such as the photo “Wall of Memory” dated back to when UNPAR was first established.
It is hoped that PAD 2016 as the premier university level alumni gathering event can be held again in the years to come; Thus, the alumni and the students will always have a moment to “Go back to Campus” and a place where UNPAR alumni and students can relate well with one another.
Source: KOMPAS-Griya Ilmu (Tuesday, March 15 2015)
