UNS – Five professors from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta have officially entered the retirement period. The professors were Prof. Dr. Sunardi, M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Wiedy Murtini, M.Pd., from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP); Prof. Dr. Pranoto, M.Sc., from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA); Prof. Dr. Istadiyantha, M.Sc., from the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB); and Prof. Soetrisno, Sp.OG(K), from the Faculty of Medicine (FK). To honor their contributions, the UNS Professorial Council organized the Honorary Retirement Oration, held on Tuesday (19/11/2024). 

In his opening remarks, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chair of the UNS Professorial Council, expressed deep appreciation for the professors’ dedication and efforts in advancing the university. “The contributions made by our senior professors over their long tenure in their respective study programs, faculties, and the institution are visible today. The most important aspect is that their legacy is continued by the younger faculty members,” Prof. Suranto said. 

He emphasized the importance of academic continuity and ensuring the sustainability of knowledge within faculties and departments. “It is also noteworthy that many of our professors have achieved extraordinary milestones, not only in numbers but also in the age at which they were inaugurated. Several have earned this title in their 40s, and some even earlier. The focus moving forward is to ensure that the academic climate we build continues to improve,” he added. 

UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., highlighted the essential role of professors in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. He noted their influence on shaping character and mentoring students and colleagues. “The knowledge and values they have imparted will continue to thrive and develop within society. Retirement does not mark the end of their contributions but rather the beginning of a new chapter where their dedication and expertise will inspire and benefit future generations,” he remarked.

During the event, two professors, Prof. Sunardi and Prof. Pranoto, delivered honorary retirement orations. Prof. Sunardi’s oration, titled “Differentiated Learning: A Necessity in Modern Education,” emphasized the need for personalized approaches in classrooms. He advocated for minimizing administrative tasks for teachers to allow more focus on fostering student engagement. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of managing heterogeneous classrooms and transitioning from competitive to collaborative and cooperative learning environments.

Meanwhile, Prof. Pranoto shared his research experiences on waste management and water quality. His work included developing Alofan Magic Clay adsorbents, now a key project under the startup Profita Indonesia. He also explored hydrogen as an environmentally friendly fuel source, collaborating with institutions such as Universiti Putra Malaysia, RUDN University in Russia, and several Indonesian universities. 

The event concluded with farewell speeches from the retiring professors, represented by Prof. Istadiyantha, Prof. Soetrisno, and Prof. Wiedy. UNS leadership and the Professorial Council presented mementos to the retiring professors, marking the end of the heartfelt ceremony.

Humas UNS