The Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, emphasized the significance of adaptability and critical thinking in his commencement speech during the university’s second graduation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year. Addressing 479 graduates, he underscored that graduation marks only the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with real-world challenges.

"This graduation is just the start of your true struggle in facing the complexities of life. The world is currently in turmoil, with economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruptions. You will have to compete not only with global peers but also with artificial intelligence. Memorization alone will not suffice; Google and AI can do that better. However, at UIN, you have been trained to sharpen your logic, imagination, and communication skills, both verbal and written. More importantly, you carry the values of integrity, honesty, and ethical responsibility," he stated.

Prof. Noorhaidi encouraged graduates to actively engage in shaping the future rather than merely observing it. "Empowering Knowledge, Shaping The Future – you must harness your knowledge to be part of global transformations. The strong foundation in logical reasoning and critical thinking that you have developed here will enable you to navigate and contribute to the rapidly changing world."

The ceremony also celebrated outstanding student achievements. Several graduates were recognized as the fastest and highest-achieving students. Among them were Isfiya Annabila (Economics, Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business) with a GPA of 3.89, Muhammad Harkim Novridho (Aqidah and Islamic Philosophy, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought) with 3.93, and Anisatul Muzayanah (Islamic Guidance and Counseling, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication) with 3.94.

Other top graduates included Wulan Fernikasari (Law, Faculty of Sharia and Law) with 3.97, Satria Wiranata (Master's in Communication and Islamic Broadcasting, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication) with 3.94, and Mutia Ainun Nabila (Master's in Religious Studies, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought) with 3.95. Notably, Gusti Rian Saputra (Master's in Islamic Law, Faculty of Sharia and Law) achieved a perfect GPA of 4.00.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Sholluhiyyah (Communication and Islamic Broadcasting, Faculty of Da'wah and Communication) highlighted that an academic degree is not merely symbolic but a testament to the skills and experiences gained throughout their studies. "Graduation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of new challenges that must be met with resilience and determination. Learning is a lifelong quest for meaning and purpose."

With this graduation, UIN Sunan Kalijaga reaffirms its commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess the integrity, resilience, and vision to contribute meaningfully to society and the world at large.