HumasUPNVJ - Graduates should not stop at academic achievements alone, but must continue to transform and bring real impact to society. This was the appeal conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd. at the 74th UPNVJ Graduation at the Jakarta Convention Center, Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Using the metaphor of a caterpillar, a cocoon, and a butterfly, Prof. Fauzan describes the journey of students from being neglected individuals to becoming individuals who bring beauty and benefits to the environment.

“The caterpillar symbolizes an animal that is avoided. People are sometimes lazy to hold a caterpillar, that's you when you haven't finished your education. When you go to college, you become a cocoon. When you graduate, you become a butterfly, a pleasant person," he said.

But he reminded, this metamorphosis is not yet complete. According to him, the resonance of the graduates' existence will not be felt before they truly show their existence and real contribution in society.

"When you graduate, your resonance is not much to the environment. But when you succeed, then society will see you in a positive resonance," he added.

Furthermore, Prof. Fauzan emphasized that the ideal evolution does not only take place personally, but also institutionally. He encouraged the transformation of higher education to be closer and have a real impact on society.

"The campus should not be in an ivory tower. It is a social entity. The campus world should be part of community life, and vice versa," he stressed.

He said that the concept of an “impactful campus” is the main direction of the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology at this time, where all the potential of the Tridharma of higher education—from research to community service—must be directed to answer real challenges in the field.

"If the campus world is separated from social entities, then we will never be able to catch up," said Prof. Fauzan.

According to him, if the synergy between the campus world and society can be realized in its entirety, then the acceleration of national development is no longer just a hope. The campus will be the driving force, as well as a problem solver for various national problems.