UMS Celebrates Excellence Among Students

As a form of recognition for students who have brought honor to the university, the Office of Student Affairs of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) held an Appreciation Ceremony for the Selection of Outstanding Students and the MIPA Olympiad at the Hall of the Siti Walidah Main Building, Saturday, (26/7/2025).

Head of the UMS Office of Student Affairs, Ahmad Kholid Al Ghofari, S.T., M.T., stated that the recognition was given to students who had passed the internal selection and participated in two major government-run events: the Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres) and the National Mathematics and Natural Sciences Olympiad (ONMIPA).

“For Pilmapres, we already have a nominee who we’ve been mentoring. They were then selected to represent us at the LLDIKTI level and won first place in Central Java. Now they’ve moved on to the national selection stage,” said Kholid.

As for ONMIPA participants, Kholid mentioned that they are currently awaiting the national selection process. He explained that this appreciation event serves as a platform for UMS students to gather with their mentors and plan future strategies.

Kholid added that UMS also provides financial support in the form of incentives for each competition. “According to our Academic Activity Guidelines, all achievements are eligible for recognition. Even though this was just an internal selection, we still provide appreciation and incentives,” he clarified.

Vice Rector I of UMS, Prof. Ihwan Susila, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., delivering a speech at the Appreciation Ceremony for the Selection of Outstanding Students and the MIPA Olympiad at the Hall of the Siti Walidah Main Building, Saturday, July 26, 2025. 

In his speech, Vice Rector I of UMS, Prof. Ihwan Susila, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., emphasized that UMS remains committed to producing high-achieving students on both the national and international stage. The focus of competitions has also been expanded beyond academics to include non-academic areas such as sports, the arts, and other competitions, all of which continue to receive guidance and support.

“We certainly want more students to be able to participate in competitions like these in the future. UMS will focus even more on providing opportunities and space for all students,” said Ihwan.

Student competency development remains a priority. Ihwan noted that coaching and mentoring are ways to open opportunities for every student to achieve excellence.

“We want all students to gain well-rounded competencies. That means having the opportunity to improve their skills, gain valuable experience, and build positive attitudes,” he added.

Vice Rector I of UMS, Prof. Ihwan Susila, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., presents an award certificate to Samiyem, the first-place winner of the Outstanding Student Selection. 

UMS student and awardee Samiyem responded positively to the appreciation event. According to her, the event was a meaningful step by UMS to recognize students’ efforts while also boosting their morale and motivation.

“The event was so exciting because I felt like UMS is really supportive of its high-achieving students,” said the UMS Physiotherapy student.

Samiyem, who is affectionately known as Samy, was selected as an outstanding student and advanced to the provincial-level selection in Central Java. She’s now more enthusiastic than ever to achieve greater accomplishments.

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Samy expressed her excitement about joining the event, which allowed her to meet other students with the same drive to succeed. The spirit of upholding the university’s good name was contagious among the participants.

“With this kind of recognition, I believe UMS students will be even more motivated. Especially when it comes to participating in competitions that elevate UMS’ reputation, both nationally and internationally,” she stated with determination.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid