Thousands of people streamed out through the main gate of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta on Saturday (9/26/2026). Lecturers, staff, students, retirees, alumni, staff family members, and residents from around the campus walked together along a route of roughly 4.5 kilometers. Every so often, the pace would slow, a chance to greet an old friend or wait for a family member who had fallen behind.

That scene formed the heart of the fun walk held in celebration of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's 75th Anniversary (Dies Natalis). Amid the daily demands of academic life and work, the event offered the university's extended family a chance to come together, share in the joy, and strengthen their sense of fellowship. That togetherness, it is hoped, will refresh everyone's spirit as they return to work and study, in keeping with this year's Dies Natalis theme, “From Academic Excellence to Global Impact.”

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, together with the Chair of the IKASUKA Presidium and Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, sent off participants from the courtyard of the University General Administration Building (PAU). The Rector said the fun walk was an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and a sense of family among everyone at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. He also expressed appreciation for the support of IKASUKA and the various partners who helped bring the event to life.

Arifah Fauzi's presence at UIN Sunan Kalijaga's 75th Anniversary celebration also carried a story about the enduring bond between an alma mater and its alumni. As a graduate of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, she said she felt proud to have once been part of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's journey. For her, seeing the university continue to grow and produce graduates making their mark across various fields is a source of pride as part of the alumni family.

That same pride brought her there not only as Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, but also as Chair of the IKASUKA Presidium. Alongside the alumni network, Arifah joined in celebrating UIN Sunan Kalijaga's journey into its 75th year. The presence of alumni at this moment served as a reminder that no matter how far graduates go after leaving campus, their alma mater remains part of their own story.

A spirit of giving was also woven into the celebration. Through a partnership with BAZNAS RI (National Zakat Amil Agency), assistance was symbolically handed over to UIN Sunan Kalijaga students from East Nusa Tenggara affected by an earthquake. That moment served as a reminder that the campus community's sense of fellowship is also expressed through care for its members in times of need.

After completing the designated route, participants had their coupons stamped at the Balaiyasa checkpoint before returning to the PAU courtyard. At the finish line, the joy continued with the distribution of thousands of prizes. Each time a raffle number was called, participants checked their own coupons; cheers broke out whenever a friend or family member stepped forward as a winner.

Prizes were provided by faculties, units, and various offices across UIN Sunan Kalijaga, as well as partners including PT Ghana, BSI, BPD DIY, BNI, and others. More than 40 grand-prize winning numbers were drawn by the Rector together with university leadership, sealed in envelopes, and announced toward the end of the event. Two motorcycles, the grand prizes, were won by Supriyono, a staff member of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, and a campus groundskeeper.

The fun-walk ended where it began, but the warmth built throughout the morning is hoped to carry into the days ahead. After laughing, walking, and sharing moments of care together, the extended UIN Sunan Kalijaga family returned to their respective roles, bound more closely together, and carrying fresh energy to advance the university and continue making an impact. (humassk)