FAI Unismuh Makassar Hosts 88th Graduation Ceremony, Dean Urges Alumni to Cherish and Continue Academic Traditions

The Faculty of Islamic Religion (FAI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar held a welcoming event with prospective graduates, parents, university leaders, and the wider FAI community at Hotel MaxOne Makassar on Thursday evening, June 18, 2026. The event was a moment of warmth and gratitude for the success of 280 FAI students who have completed their undergraduate studies and will participate in the 88th graduation ceremony of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar.

In attendance were Vice Rector III of Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Mawardi Pewangi, M.Pd, faculty leaders, deans, heads of study programs, lecturers, members of the Alumni Association, leaders of special FAI institutions, as well as parents and families of graduates from various regions in Indonesia.

In her speech, Dean of FAI Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Amirah Mawardi, S.Ag., M.Si, congratulated all the students who had successfully completed their studies in the six programs under the FAI's auspices.

These 280 prospective graduates came from the Education in Islamic Religion, Arabic Language, and Islamic Guidance and Counseling programs, which earned Bachelor of Education (S.Pd) degrees, the Sharia Economics and Family Law program, which earned Bachelor of Law (S.H) degrees, and the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting program, which earned Bachelor of Social Sciences (S.Sos) degrees.

"FAI possesses a diverse range of disciplines. Not only does it produce education graduates, but also law graduates and social science graduates. This shows that Islamic studies at the Faculty of Islamic Religion are developing broadly and responding to the needs of society," she said.

At the event, Amirah expressed her gratitude to all parents and guardians of the students who had entrusted FAI Unismuh Makassar with educating, nurturing, and guiding their children during their studies.

According to her, the various mentoring processes undertaken by the university, including discipline and instilling Islamic values, are part of the effort to shape graduates who are not only academically outstanding but also have a religious character.

"Sometimes we have to be firm in mentoring students. All of this is done for their benefit so that they can become educators, counselors, and religious leaders who can serve the community," she said.

The Dean of FAI also highlighted the historic achievement of this year's graduation, namely the official graduation of the first cohort of female Muhammadiyah Tarjih Ulama Education (PUTM Putri) students as Bachelor of Education graduates.

According to her, this moment is an important step in strengthening female Muhammadiyah ulama. She hopes that graduates from special programs such as Muhammadiyah Tarjih Education (PUTM), Ma'had Al-Birr, or Muhammadiyah Pesantren Education (PUPM) can return to serve the Muhammadiyah organization and the community according to the mandate that has been given, especially because they have received scholarships from Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar.

In addition to expressing gratitude for the success of the students, Amirah also outlined several strategic achievements of FAI. In 2025, FAI successfully won the "Student Affairs Award" at the university level. FAI also continues to strengthen academic development by opening opportunities for Professorial Education (PPG) in the field of religion.

The three education programs, namely Islamic Religion Education, Arabic Language Education, and Islamic Guidance and Counseling, have undergone the accreditation process and are awaiting official permission from the Ministry of Education.

"With the presence of PPG at FAI Unismuh Makassar, graduates no longer need to seek professional programs at other universities. This is one of our commitments in providing complete educational services to students," she said.

Currently, FAI has about 86 lecturers and around 2,500 students. Various student and lecturer achievements at the local, national, and international levels are a matter of concern for the faculty as part of efforts to maintain academic quality.

Closing her speech, Amirah asked the graduates to maintain their relationship with the university and be part of the development of FAI through real contributions, including inviting the next generation to continue their studies at FAI Unismuh Makassar.

Vice Rector III: Alumni Must Maintain Faith, Knowledge, and Reputation of the University

Meanwhile, Vice Rector III of Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Mawardi Pewangi, M.Pd, in his address, said that the success of an alumnus is not only measured by academic achievements, but also by the ability to maintain Islamic values that have been obtained during education.

"Faith is a compass that guides humans on the right path and is pleasing to Allah SWT. Without faith, humans will lose direction and purpose in life," he said.

Second, maintaining prayer as a fortress that can prevent a person from committing acts forbidden by religion.

Third, maintaining noble morals because morals are the main reflection of education and religious quality.

In addition, Mawardi emphasized the importance of lifelong learning. According to him, the knowledge obtained at university must be continuously developed and practiced in community life.

"Do not be someone who only collects knowledge but does not apply it. Knowledge that is beneficial is knowledge that brings goodness to oneself and others," he said.

He also reminded alumni to continue to do good and benefit the community, in accordance with the principle of khairunnas anfa'uhum linnas, namely the best human is the one who benefits the most people.

Another message is the importance of respecting parents and teachers as one of the keys to worldly and afterlife blessings.

"Respect parents and teachers. Pray for them, forgive their shortcomings, because worldly blessings are closely related to how someone respects those who have taught them," he said.

Mawardi also emphasized that the progress of a university depends on the strength of its alumni. Therefore, alumni have a responsibility to maintain the reputation of the university, promote the campus to the community, and contribute to the development of the institution.

He also conveyed the progress of Unismuh Makassar, which has reached 74 study programs in eight faculties and continues to strengthen its reputation at the national and international levels.

The welcoming event took place in a family-like and harmonious atmosphere. The presence of parents and families of graduates from various regions, starting from South Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, to Papua, is a testament to the broad reach and trust in FAI Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar.

The welcoming event also marked the return of the graduates to their families and the community after completing their studies at FAI Unismuh Makassar, and marked the beginning of their journey as alumni who are expected to bring honor to the university and benefit the ummah, nation, and the Muhammadiyah organization.