UNAIR NEWS – Started her career at Universitas Airlangga in 1980, Siti Rukayah was directly assigned as rector secretary. At that time, UNAIR was still under Prof. Dr. Abdul Gani, S.H, M.S. leadership, Rector who served from 1976 to 1980.

“I was assigned as secretary of Prof. Abdul Gani from the Faculty of Law, “said Siti.

Siti Rukhayah, who enters retirement as of October 2017, said that she had through a lot as she accompanied UNAIR Rectors of eight periods.

“Actually, it depends on our response. If we work sincerely, do well and work according to our tasks and jobs then it’s the satisfaction and we should be grateful, ” she explained.

However, Siti did not deny that at the beginning of her work there were tough times, especially when she has a young son. She had to manage her time for children, work, and family.

“It’s sad when our children were sick, it was a little hard. I feel gratitude for things other than that, ” she explained.

Spent half of her life to serve the country, Siti also witnessed the long dynamic of  UNAIR. One of them is the UNAIR rector’s office which has been relocated three times.

“Once, it was called as bureau of rector. The office was also on Jalan Dr. Soetomo. In 1982 it was moved in Campus B and in 2004 moved again in campus C until now, ” said Siti.

Witnessing eight times of rector transition made Siti even better at making adjustment with each different leader. While working with different rectors, Siti claimed she never differentiated and compared them. Following the rhythm and understanding the superior leadership style became her way to continue to serve.

“We must follow the rhythm of the rector. How the rector style and how he works. So we can follow them well, with no burden and without comparing them. Because they all have their own character. We must understand and learn the pattern, “explained Siti.

Siti also advised to educational staff in UNAIR environment to always work together. Furthermore, she also emphasized that they should not work carelessly. It is important to continue to help each other and be serious while serving as a state servant within UNAIR.

“I think at work we should cooperate and should not envy each other. Help each other and do not work carelessly.  We should always keep them in mind when we come in the morning and go home in the evening, ” she said.

Find Love

In the midst of a warm chat, Siti also said that she found her true love in UNAIR. In the second year of her work, Siti accepted the proposal of a man who granted her three sons and three grandchildren.

“When I entered here I was not married. Then I met him (husband, -red ) and we got married, ” she recalled. (*)

Author: Nuri Hermawan

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh