Balikpapan – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) officially conferred degrees on 748 graduates during its 21st Graduation Ceremony held at the Integrated Laboratory 1 Auditorium, ITK Campus. The occasion marked not only the completion of their studies, but also the beginning of a new chapter in which graduates are expected to bring the knowledge, experience, and competencies they gained at ITK into broader forms of service and contribution.

The graduation ceremony included the opening of the Academic Senate Session, presentation of graduate statistics, formal conferral of degrees, diploma presentation and tassel turning, remarks by the Rector of ITK, and an address from the best graduate. In his remarks, ITK Rector Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc. emphasized that graduation should not end with academic achievement or the degree itself. Alumni are expected to apply their knowledge and experience to create meaningful works, innovations, and contributions that generate real impact for society, the nation, and the environment.

This message is particularly relevant as graduates will follow diverse paths after leaving university. Some will enter the workforce, pursue further education, build businesses, conduct research, or contribute in various professional and social sectors. Whatever path they choose, ITK graduates are expected to carry forward the values developed during their studies, including a commitment to learning, adaptability, collaboration, and the courage to face challenges.

Recognition for Outstanding Graduates

During ITK’s 21st Graduation Ceremony, several graduates received recognition for their academic achievements. Risqi’a Shauma Salsabiilla, S.Aktr. achieved the highest GPA at the institute level as well as within the Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI). Meanwhile, Joyce Felecya Sitinjak, S.T. recorded the highest GPA in the Faculty of Sustainable Development (FPB), while Yosua Anjupaian Situmeang, S.T. achieved the highest GPA in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology (FRTI).

In addition to the highest GPA awards, Siska Veronika, S.T. was recognized as the youngest graduate at the age of 20 years, 9 months, and 20 days.

Best Graduate: Every Graduate Has a Different Journey

The meaning of the graduation journey was also reflected in the address delivered by Risqi’a Shauma Salsabiilla as the best graduate. She reminded her fellow graduates that although everyone wore the same graduation gown, each person carried a different story of struggle and perseverance.

Some students balanced their studies with organizational responsibilities, research, competitions, community service, and internships. Others may have experienced moments of falling behind, failure, uncertainty, or even nearly giving up. Yet every part of that process became an important part of the journey that eventually brought them to the same milestone: graduation.

Risqi’a also emphasized that after graduation, each person does not have to follow the same path or move at the same pace.

“Today is not the finish line.”

According to her, some graduates will begin their careers, pursue further studies, establish businesses, conduct research, or dedicate themselves to community service. She therefore encouraged graduates not to become overly focused on comparing their journeys with others, but to keep moving forward, continue learning, and have the courage to rise again when facing failure.

More importantly, Risqi’a encouraged graduates to view success not only in terms of how high they are able to achieve personally, but also by how much benefit they can bring to others after reaching those achievements. She expressed hope that the knowledge gained at ITK would not merely be used to secure employment, but would also become the courage to create change and contribute to families, communities, the nation, and the environment.

Through its 21st Graduation Ceremony, ITK once again sent a new generation of graduates into various fields, carrying the name of their alma mater with them. With the spirit of SPECTA – For the Creator and the Land of Etam, graduates are expected not only to grow into competent professionals, but also into alumni who are capable of creating solutions, opening opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact wherever their next journey takes them.