Semarang – Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) graduated 1,500 students at its 141st Graduation Ceremony, held at the Prof. Wuryanto Auditorium Building, UNNES, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. On the occasion, UNNES Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si. encouraged graduates to continue cultivating grit and perseverance as essential qualities for building their careers and pursuing entrepreneurship.
The 1,500 graduates comprised 19 Doctoral (S3) graduates, 72 Master’s (S2) graduates, 2 Professional Program graduates, 1,405 Bachelor’s (S1) graduates, and 2 Diploma (D3) graduates.
Prof. Martono said that successfully completing higher education was an achievement to be proud of and grateful for, as it was attained through a long and challenging process. According to him, reaching the graduation stage was also evidence of the graduates’ perseverance throughout their educational journey.
“Today, you are graduating because you have gone through a long process. Going forward, the perseverance you have developed must be maintained so that it can be put into practice when facing real-world challenges,” he said.
In his speech, Prof. Martono referred to the book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by psychologist Angela Duckworth. He explained that success in building a career or business is determined not only by intellectual ability and social support but also by perseverance throughout the process.
According to Prof. Martono, people with grit demonstrate strong commitment to the fields they pursue and a willingness to continue practicing and developing their abilities over the long term. Grit is also reflected in the ability to maintain one’s goals and hope when confronted with various difficulties.
As graduates prepare to face challenges after completing their studies, Prof. Martono delivered three messages. First, graduates should continue to nurture their interest in knowledge and learning.
Second, graduates are encouraged to build healthy networks, both professionally and socially. Third, they are urged to connect their careers with purposes that extend beyond their personal interests.
“Whatever career you pursue, connect it to something greater than yourself. Let your service be not merely a professional transaction, but a struggle to advance your family, society, nation, and country,” he said.
Prof. Martono also expressed his appreciation to the parents and families who had supported the graduates throughout their educational journeys. He emphasized that the graduates’ achievements could not be separated from their families’ prayers, support, and sacrifices.
He further encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and competencies they had acquired during their studies at UNNES and ensure that these contributions provide meaningful benefits to society.
The 141st UNNES Graduation Ceremony thus marked not only the completion of the graduates’ academic journeys but also the beginning of a new chapter in which they are expected to bring their knowledge, perseverance, and professional competencies into society.
Source: https://unnes.ac.id/wisuda-ke-141-unnes-rektor-tekankan-kegigihan-bagi-lulusan/
