UNAIR NEWS – The Communication Department Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), in partnership with the Directorate of Career Development, Entrepreneurship Incubation, and Alumni Affairs (DPKKA), successfully hosted the Communication Alumni Gathering 2025. The event took place on Saturday (Feb. 1, 2025) at Soetandyo Hall, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, UNAIR.
The reunion brought together alumni from various graduating classes, along with retired faculty members from UNAIR’s Communication Department. Beyond serving as a platform for reconnecting, the event featured lively performances from alumni representatives and a photography exhibition showcasing the works of Communication Science students.
Strengthening ties between university and alumni
The reunion received high praise from Director of Career Development, Entrepreneurship Incubation, and Alumni Affairs (DPKKA), Prof. Dr. Elly Munadziroh, drg., MS, who underscored the importance of maintaining strong relationships between the university and its alumni. In her remarks, she highlighted that UNAIR’s Communication Science graduates boast the highest employability rate within the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), a testament to the active involvement of alumni in supporting the university’s growth.
“UNAIR currently ranks second in employability, and this achievement is largely due to our alumni. We want to ensure that the bond between the university and its graduates continues to grow and evolve,” Prof. Munadziroh stated.
She also proposed the establishment of cohort coordinators to facilitate better communication among alumni and emphasized the significance of existing alumni communities. Additionally, she introduced the Alumni Global Challenge, an initiative designed to mentor high-achieving students.
Value of alumni networks
Irfan Wahyudi, S.Sos., M.Comm., Ph.D., a faculty member in Communication Science and Vice Dean III of FISIP UNAIR, also expressed appreciation for the event’s success. He emphasized that alumni reunions are not just about reminiscing but also serve as a vital opportunity to build stronger intergenerational connections.
“We extend our gratitude to DPKKA for facilitating this gathering. Through events like this, alumni can expand their professional networks, reconnect with one another, and help integrate recent graduates into the alumni community, ultimately enhancing their career prospects,” he said.
Wahyudi highlighted that a robust alumni network provides graduates with invaluable career opportunities, mentorship, and access to broader industry connections. He noted that such support adds significant value to their professional growth.
Ensuring continuity
Titik Puji Rahayu, S.Sos., M.Comm., Ph.D., Head of Communication Science Department at UNAIR, echoed the sentiment that the reunion was not held without purpose. Rather, it was driven by the need to reconnect and exchange experiences among alumni.
“Many of us have not seen each other in a long time, making this a great opportunity to share insights and inspire one another. We hope that gatherings like this will continue in the future,” she concluded.
The Communication Alumni Gathering 2025 reaffirmed the enduring bond between UNAIR and its graduates. With ongoing programs that engage alumni in career development, entrepreneurship, and contributions to their alma mater, the university aims to sustain and further strengthen these connections in the years ahead.
Author: Adinda Aulia Pratiwi
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
