Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) held the Open Senate Meeting for the Undergraduate and Graduate Graduation Ceremony of Academic Year 2025/2026 Period II on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Kasman Singodimedjo Auditorium. A total of 211 graduates were officially conferred during the graduation ceremony.
The graduation ceremony was attended by leaders from various institutions and strategic partners, including representatives from the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board (Majelis Diktilitbang PP Muhammadiyah), the Head of LLDIKTI Region VI Central Java, the Vice Regent of Purworejo, the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum of Purworejo Regency, leaders of private universities, banking partners, the Daily Advisory Board (BPH) of UMPWR, members of the university senate, and families of the graduates who filled the auditorium.
Of the total graduates, 93 were male and 118 were female. In this graduation period, 77 graduates achieved the cum laude distinction as a reflection of outstanding academic accomplishment.
In addition, 59 students successfully completed their studies through the non-thesis or thesis-examination-free pathway from various study programs. This achievement reflects the increasing academic quality and innovation of students in completing their studies through alternative final projects based on creative works and academic outputs.
In addition to undergraduate programs, UMPWR also graduated 8 master’s degree students, consisting of 6 graduates from the Master’s Program in English Education and 2 graduates from the Master’s Program in Mathematics Education.
This graduation ceremony also highlighted the inspiring story of two visually impaired graduates, Udin Prasojo and Umi Musfiroh, from the Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program. The married couple successfully completed their studies through a non-thesis pathway or an alternative final project based on creative works.
Udin Prasojo graduated through a musical arrangement work entitled NETRA RASA, which has received copyright recognition from the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia. Meanwhile, Umi Musfiroh completed her studies through a song composition entitled Rebab Tanpa Kawat, which also obtained official copyright recognition from the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Dr. Teguh Wibowo, stated in his speech that graduation is not the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of dedication amid increasingly complex global challenges.
“Today is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of true dedication. The academic degree you earn is not merely a symbol of achievement, but also a responsibility to make meaningful contributions to society, the nation, and humanity,” he stated.
The Rector also highlighted the current global situation, including global crises, economic uncertainty, and disruptions caused by international geopolitical conflicts. According to him, university graduates must be capable of becoming solutions amid rapid changes in the world.
“Be problem solvers, not problem makers; innovators, not merely followers; and leaders, not simply workers. Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo believes that you are capable of becoming part of the global solution, not merely spectators in the dynamics of the world,” he emphasized.
On the occasion, the Rector also stressed the importance of three essential qualities that UMPWR graduates must possess: professional competence, mental resilience and endurance, as well as strong moral values rooted in Islamic principles.
The Vice Regent of Purworejo, Dion Agasi Setiabudi, who also attended the ceremony, congratulated all graduates and emphasized the importance of developing human resources as the primary foundation for national progress.
According to him, history has shown that nations relying solely on natural resources will face major challenges when those resources begin to decline. He cited how Europeans once came to the archipelago in search of spices, while today exploitation has shifted toward tin, nickel, and other mining resources.
“A great nation must be supported by great human resources and a great civilization as well,” he said.
He expressed hope that UMPWR graduates would become educated individuals who think fairly and wisely while contributing meaningful benefits to society, the region, and the Indonesian nation.
“Indonesia must not depend solely on natural resources, but instead rely on the advancement of its human resources,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Mohammad Adam Jerusalem, expressed hope that UMPWR would become the 122nd Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institution (PTMA) to achieve “Excellent” accreditation status. He emphasized the importance of strengthening synergy and maintaining solidarity among all university stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The Head of LLDIKTI Region VI Central Java, Aisyah Endah Palupi, also encouraged graduates to become impactful alumni who can create meaningful contributions and positive change for society through their competence and knowledge.
UMPWR hopes that all graduates will continue to learn, adapt, and contribute positively to society, the nation, and humanity in accordance with Muhammadiyah’s values of progressive Islam. (akb/KP).
