HUMAS USU – The University of Sumatera Utara (USU) once again left a deep impression by holding the Graduation Ceremony for the 4th Period of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, which took place from Wednesday to Saturday (August 27-30). A total of 4113 graduates from various study programs were scheduled to attend the series of graduation processions.

On the first day, the graduation procession, in an orderly, efficient, and memorable atmosphere, received appreciation from alumni who judged the quality of the event as getting better from time to time. One of the graduates, Dr. Hendra Utama, S.Sos., MSP., said that the system of dividing the graduation into two stages was able to create order and convenience for all participants.

"With a more measured format, thousands of graduates could follow the procession without excessive crowding. Even when it rained, the event remained neat and full of reverence," said Hendra, who is also the Chairman of the USU FISIP Alumni Association, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

The alumni affirmed that USU's success today is the fruit of synergy among the university leadership, lecturers, students, and alumni. They considered Rector Muryanto Amin's leadership worthy of appreciation for being able to place USU on the path toward a world-class university.

"USU is now increasingly competitive at a global level. We, as alumni, certainly support the rector's leadership to continue campus development towards a more advanced direction," Hendra asserted.

Hendra emphasized that the rector's strategic steps have successfully led USU to achieve "Excellent" institutional accreditation as well as 28 study programs with international accreditation.

"The increase in the number of lecturers with doctoral degrees, the strengthening of infrastructure, and an increasingly broad international network are tangible evidence of visionary leadership," he explained.

Similar appreciation came from Dr. Rahmi Khairani, M.Psi, a doctoral alumna of Development Studies. According to her, the format of this graduation procession was more efficient without reducing its sacred value. "If it used to be long, it is now more concise and effective, but still provides a memorable experience," she said.

Behind the smooth procession, the alumni also judged that Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin's leadership has brought significant changes to USU.

According to her, the quality of academic and administrative services at USU increasingly reflects the standards of a modern university. "The lecturers, including professors, are very open and responsive. Administrative services are also getting faster and more integrated, which is a great help to students," she said.

Rahmi added that this graduation ceremony was not only a moment of graduation but also a reflection of the continuous transformation that has made USU a source of pride for North Sumatra and Indonesia.

Samantha Yuliana Purba, S.K.M, a bachelor's alumna from the Faculty of Public Health, appreciated the 4th period graduation event. According to her, the graduation atmosphere was very contemporary and full of smiles.

"That day was different from usual. From the morning, it was already crowded, everyone was busy with their gowns, kebayas, suits, and makeup that made everyone look neater and prettier. In the graduation area, the atmosphere was full of smiles; it was funny to see friends who usually have a simple appearance suddenly become so graceful, like impromptu artists," she said.

Samantha added that the moment of shaking hands with the USU Rector was the most unforgettable moment.

"Walking up the stage to meet the rector was also an unforgettable experience—heart pounding, but as soon as my name was called, I felt relieved. Although it rained, it wasn't a problem; it even made the atmosphere more exciting. Taking photos under umbrellas, laughing while getting a little wet, it all became a sweet story," she added.