The Library and Information Science Study Program held an alumni gathering and the establishment of its Alumni Association (IKA) on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Novotel Hotel Bandung, fully supported by Universitas Padjadjaran. The event was attended by the Rector of Universitas Padjadjaran, the Director of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, the Vice Dean for Learning, Student Affairs, and Research, the Manager of Learning, Student Affairs, and Alumni, the Head and lecturers of the Library and Information Science Study Program, and 129 alumni from various professions.
This alumni gathering marked an important step to strengthen connections and collaboration between the academic community and alumni. In his remarks, the Rector of Universitas Padjadjaran, Prof. Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, dr., SpM(K), M.Kes., PhD, emphasized that alumni can share their professional experiences with current students at Unpad to help them better prepare for entering the workforce.
Dr. Kasno Pamungkas, M.Hum., representing Unpad and currently serving as Head of the Internationalization Unit (KUI) of the Postgraduate School, added that, “Alumni are not just a database. Alumni are the key holders of a university’s reputation.” This statement aligns with Unpad’s plan to improve its reputation and reach the Top 300 World University Rankings in 2025, a goal that heavily depends on alumni performance and reputation. The reputation of the study program also contributes to the reputation of the university. Therefore, the program needs alumni support to enhance its profile through academic activities, such as the practitioner teaching program.
Alumni play a crucial role in strengthening and bringing practical updates to the scientific development of the study program. This was echoed by Dr. Ute Lies Siti Khadijah, M.Si., Head of the Library and Information Science Study Program (currently serving as Head of the Library Management Office), Dr. Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, S.H., S.Sos., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Atwar Bajari, M.Si., Vice Dean for Learning, Student Affairs, and Research at the Faculty of Communication Sciences. To strengthen and formalize alumni relations, the first leadership of the Alumni Association (IKA) of the Library and Information Science Study Program was established in 2024, appointing Yogi Hartono, S.Sos., M.M. as Chair and Bagus Ramdan, S.Sos. as Vice Chair.
Although the study program has developed significantly, it previously lacked a dedicated forum for alumni to share knowledge and support scientific development. Therefore, IKA Prodi 2024 was established. “A study program is like a ship on the verge of sinking. We must save the vessel first,” remarked Kusnandar, M.Si., a lecturer of the Library and Information Science Study Program. The alumni gathering and the establishment of IKA mark a major milestone, with the full support of the Rector and Unpad leadership, to strengthen synergy between the academic community and alumni.
Alumni, together with the Study Program, the Faculty of Communication Sciences, and Unpad, are committed to working toward a stronger reputation. “There is no superman, only a super team,” said Yogi Hartono, S.Sos., M.M. A strong team spirit will continue to grow through shared commitment. “We are committed to advancing alumni and the study program,” added Bagus Ramdan, S.Sos. The Library and Information Science Study Program, along with IKA Prodi 2024, continues to weave memories and build synergy for a brighter future. (Evi Nursanti Rukmana)
