UNAIR NEWS – On Sunday (April 27, 2025), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) held the second day of its commencement ceremony, Graduation 251, officially graduating 1,029 students. The event, part of the third session of ceremonies, took place at the Airlangga Convention Centre (ACC) on UNAIR’s MERR-C campus. During his address, Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih MT Ak CA formally conferred degrees and congratulated the graduates on reaching this significant milestone.
“On behalf of the entire academic community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you who has reached this pivotal moment. While graduation marks a major achievement in your academic journey, it also signals the beginning of a much longer path ahead,” he stated.
Prof. Nasih emphasized that earning a degree from UNAIR is a significant advantage, given the university’s strong reputation both nationally and internationally. He highlighted that this reputation is the result of collective dedication, including efforts by the university’s management to continually elevate UNAIR’s standing, as demonstrated by its consistent performance in global and national rankings.
“Some may question the value of rankings, but strong standings serve as important social capital that can propel you forward. That’s why UNAIR remains committed to ensuring you graduate from a top-tier institution—not for the sake of rankings alone, but to provide a solid foundation for your future success,” he explained.
Three key principles
Addressing the rapid spread of information and the evolving global landscape, Prof. Nasih noted that today’s graduates would face increasingly difficult challenges. He warned that global issues, including rising trade tensions, could limit career opportunities in the years ahead.
“The world is far from stable right now. Many developments may narrow your professional paths. That is why I want to share three core principles that will serve as essential tools for your journey,” he continued.
The first principle, he said, is the importance of hard work and passion. Prof. Nasih stressed that determination and enthusiasm form the bedrock of success. “You can always regain lost wealth or friendships if you maintain your drive. But once passion is lost, it is incredibly difficult to recover. Therefore, preserving your spirit is critical,” he emphasized.
The second principle is solidarity. Prof. Nasih pointed out that many of the world’s most prestigious universities owe much of their success to the strength of their alumni networks. “If you aim for short-term achievements, you may succeed alone. But for enduring, meaningful success, you must move together. Solidarity keeps motivation alive and ensures the sustainability of your long-term goals. By nurturing this spirit of togetherness, greater accomplishments become possible,” he said.
Lastly, the professor from UNAIR’s Faculty of Economics and Business stressed the necessity of personal transformation. He advised graduates to embrace change and develop flexibility, as the ability to adapt will be a crucial advantage in navigating future uncertainties.
Author: Febriana Putri Nur Aziizah
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
