Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), through its Career Development and Counseling Center (P2LK) and the Alumni Association (IKA), held an inspiring sharing session titled “Failure is the Key to Success” at UNIPMA’s Integrated Laboratory on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

The event was designed as both a preparatory and motivational session for 132 graduating UNIPMA students. It was attended by Dr. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd. (Rector of UNIPMA), Dr. Jeffry Handika, M.Pd., M.Si. (Vice Rector for Sector IV), the IKA UNIPMA board, and several inspiring speakers.

The event began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya and the UNIPMA Hymn. The session continued with a report from the event chair, Dr. Restu Lusiana, M.Pd., who explained that this sharing session is a regular agenda organized by IKA UNIPMA under the Rector’s official directive. She expressed hope that the event would serve as valuable preparation for students to grow personally and expand their professional networks. “Through this activity, we want our soon-to-be alumni to be better prepared for the workforce and to have strong connections in their respective fields,” she said.

Ari Nur Widiyanto, S.Pd., Chair of IKA UNIPMA, emphasized the importance of building relationships early on. “This event reflects the alumni's concern and support for their juniors. We want to show that success can come from many different paths—even from past failures,” he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., encouraged students not to limit themselves to a single career path. “Life is full of challenges and risks. Don’t be afraid to take a different road. Use your skills to create opportunities and start your own ventures,” he advised.

The main session featured three inspiring speakers from various fields:

• Drs. Istono, M.Pd., an alumnus of the Cooperative Economic Education Program (graduated in 1992), who now serves as a member of the Madiun City Council;

• Dr. Hj. Lismawati, S.Pd., M.Pd., an alumna of the Civic Education Program (graduated in 2000), initially scheduled to attend as the Head of Madiun’s Education Office but was represented by the Office Secretary due to official duties in Jakarta;

• Bastian Marsetyo, S.Pd., a Physics Education alumnus (graduated in 2011), who now runs a successful printing business, CV. Gama Grafika.

Each of the speakers shared their personal career journeys and offered motivational messages, encouraging students to be fearless in the face of failure and to persist in pursuing their dreams.

The event reinforced the powerful message that failure is not the end—it is a stepping stone toward greater success. With insight, networks, and a never-give-up spirit, UNIPMA’s future alumni are now better equipped to face the challenges of the professional world with confidence.