The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with the USU Forestry Alumni Association (IKAHUT), strengthened institutional synergy through discussions and coordination in preparation for the Alumni Gathering, which will be part of the series of events marking the 12th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, and the 27th Dies Natalis of the USU Forestry Study Program. The meeting took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Dopamine Cafe, Ring Road, Medan.
The discussion, held in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut., M.Si.; the Manager for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Nelly Anna; the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Forestry, Dr. Evalina Herawati; and the Public Relations staff of the Faculty of Forestry, USU. Also present was the Chairman of IKAHUT USU, Yudha Lesmana Pohan, S.Hut., M.Si.
The main agenda of the meeting focused on finalizing the concept and preparations for the Alumni Gathering, which is scheduled to take place on November 25, 2026. This activity is one of the important agendas in the series of peak Dies Natalis celebrations, as well as an opportunity to reunite alumni from various graduating classes with the academic community of the Faculty of Forestry, USU.
The discussions covered the preparation of the event rundown, technical requirements, implementation readiness, and various creative ideas for organizing a memorable and interactive event that could strengthen relationships across generations of alumni. Through coordinated preparations, the Alumni Gathering is expected not only to serve as a reunion but also to provide opportunities for communication, experience sharing, and collaboration that can benefit faculty development.
Beyond merely preparing for a ceremonial event, this meeting reflects the importance of alumni as an inseparable part of the institution's journey and development. Alumni possess experience, competencies, and professional networks that can serve as strategic assets in supporting improvements in educational quality, human resource development, and strengthening the contributions of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, amid the dynamics of the forestry sector.
In addition to discussing the Alumni Gathering agenda, the discussion also expanded to various ongoing projects and opportunities for future program development. One of the potential areas receiving attention was the utilization of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, Arboretum as a strategic space to support educational activities, research, conservation, and the development of collaboration with alumni.
The development of the arboretum is expected not only to provide added value to academic facilities but also to strengthen its function as a space for environmental learning, biodiversity awareness, and conservation education. With the support of alumni networks and contributions, the arboretum has the potential to be developed into a collaborative space that benefits both the academic community and the wider public.
Through this coordination, the Faculty of Forestry, USU, and IKAHUT seek to build closer and more sustainable institutional relationships. Alumni involvement is expected not only to take place during the Dies Natalis celebrations but also to continue through concrete contributions to educational development, institutional strengthening, expansion of partnership networks, and improvement of the faculty's competitiveness at both national and international levels.
This synergy aligns with the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening alumni networks and support for educational development; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the utilization and development of the arboretum as a space for education, research, and biodiversity conservation; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and alumni networks. With a spirit of togetherness and sustainability, the Faculty of Forestry, USU, continues to encourage the realization of an excellent and adaptive institution that makes concrete contributions to the advancement of education and sustainable forestry development.