Students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKEP USU), participated in a session on the Alumni Association (IKA) as part of the 2026 USU Campus Life Orientation Program for New Students (PKKMB). The session was delivered by the Chair of the FKEP USU Alumni Association, Apipuddin Hrp, S.Kep., Ners., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. WIB. The session provided new students with an opportunity to learn about the Alumni Association as part of the FKEP USU extended community while understanding the importance of building lasting relationships among students, alumni, and the institution.
During the session, FKEP USU students were encouraged to begin building professional networks while still in university. Relationships with fellow students, lecturers, academic staff, and alumni can play an important role in personal development and professional growth. Alumni can also serve as a bridge between the educational experience on campus and the dynamics of the workplace, providing students with insights into the importance of competence, integrity, communication skills, collaboration, and readiness to adapt to developments in the nursing profession.
Students were also encouraged to view alumni not merely as graduates who have completed their education, but as members of an ecosystem who can continue contributing to the advancement of their alma mater. The values of upholding the reputation of FKEP USU, fostering solidarity, sharing experiences, and contributing to society are important principles to instill from the beginning of students’ academic journeys. Through this approach, relationships between students and alumni are expected to develop into professional networks that support educational development, career advancement, and community service in the field of nursing.
The session is closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through strengthening student learning and competency development, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through improving students’ readiness to enter the workforce and professional nursing practice. Strengthening collaboration among students, alumni, the institution, and various partners also aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through the involvement of the Alumni Association, FKEP USU students are expected to build networks from an early stage, develop into competent and professional nursing practitioners, and eventually contribute back to their alma mater and society.