The atmosphere at the 4th Floor Hall of UT Purwokerto on Monday (9/2/2026) was filled with anticipation as 884 prospective graduates of Universitas Terbuka (UT) Purwokerto gathered for an Academic Seminar ahead of their graduation ceremony. The seminar served as a preparatory session to equip students before entering the workforce and society. 

Carrying the theme “Transforming the Meaning of Open Higher Education: Integrating Human Resource Responsibility and Sustainable Access to Knowledge,” the event featured renowned journalist and Kick Andy host Andy F. Noya as the keynote speaker. The seminar was opened by UT Purwokerto Director Dr. Prasetyarti Utami and attended by Prof. Ojat Darojat, Deputy for Education Quality Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture. 

In an interactive session, Andy encouraged students to reflect on common post-graduation concerns such as job opportunities and career alignment. He emphasized that open and distance education expands access and opportunity, particularly for communities across diverse regions. Sharing his personal journey—from vocational education to discovering his passion for writing—he urged graduates to identify their interests and life goals. 

“Find your passion, find the lantern of your soul,” he said, underscoring that success becomes more attainable when aligned with genuine interest. 

Participants expressed renewed motivation following the session. UT Purwokerto leadership highlighted that the seminar aims to broaden graduates’ perspectives amid rapid digital transformation and evolving workforce demands. 

Through its open and distance learning system, UT continues to provide inclusive access to higher education regardless of age, occupation, or location—preparing graduates not only academically, but also with confidence and a clear sense of direction for the future.