02 July 2025
Threesna Sharfina
The Communication Science Study Program of FISIP USU held its annual Alumni Gathering on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the FISIP USU Hall. Carrying the tagline “Strong Network, Great Collaboration”, this event was a critical moment to strengthen ties among alumni across generations and reinforce synergy with the study program.
This routine agenda, which has been running since 2022, was attended by the Dean of FISIP USU, Dr. Hatta Ridho, S.Sos., M.SP.; the Head of the Communication Science Program, Dr. Mazdalifah, M.Si.., Ph.D.; and the Chair of the Communication Science Alumni Association (IKAKOM) USU, Edy Iriawan, S.Sos., M.I.Kom. Also present were faculty members and dozens of alums from various graduation years.
The event was filled with warmth and camaraderie. It began with remarks from the faculty and program leaders, followed by updates on the study program’s latest developments, testimonials from successful alums across fields, a shared meal, light games, group photos, and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) session to formulate strategic directions for the future of the Communication Science program.
“We want all alumni always to feel the urge to return. Whether we've reached you or not, let’s work together to build the Communication Science Program even stronger,” said the Head of the Program, reaffirming that the department remains open to collaboration with any interested alumni.
Similar sentiments were shared by Edy Iriawan, Chair of IKAKOM, who expressed optimism for the program's development, especially after the Communication Science Program achieved international accreditation from FIBAA this year, following its “Unggul” (Excellent) status from BAN-PT in 2022. “This internationalization provides a solid foundation for digital development. I hope it continues to evolve, and I wish all the best for the younger students,” he added.
More than a nostalgic reunion, the alumni gathering also began a strategic relationship between the study program and its alumni. The event will open wider opportunities for current students to engage professionally with alumni through guest lectures, internships, mentoring, and career networking. To date, 1,330 Communication Science alums are spread across various fields and institutions throughout Indonesia.
This gathering reaffirmed the spirit of reconnection as the foundation for a more adaptive, collaborative, and excellent future for Communication Science at USU, nationally and internationally. It also reflects FISIP USU’s commitment to strengthening connections between academia and alums as a core institutional development strategy. With the support of the faculty, the alum network is expected to become an active partner in creating a broader, more relevant, and impactful learning and career development ecosystem for students.
Writer: Jemima Frieda Lumbantobing
