A true leader is someone who never admits that he or she is great but is someone who feels that he or she is far from perfection and has a strong desire to do their best, although there will be challenges that they must face. This was delivered by Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) Chancellor Dr. (Hon) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc.

On 26 July 2019, UPH organized Appreciation and Inauguration of Student Affairs Officer at Grand Chapel UPH, Lippo Village. There were 856 Student Leaders ONE UPH inaugurated, comprised of 494 students from UPH Lippo Village, 181 students from Medan, and 181 students from Surabaya. Organizations inaugurated among others were Students Executive Body (Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa or BEM), Student Representative Council (Majelis Perwakilan Mahasiswa or MPM), Mentoring, Faculty Association and Study Programs (Himpunan Fakultas dan Program Studi), Spiritual Growth, and Students Activity Unit (Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa or UKM). The inauguration was carried out by UPH Chancellor Dr. (Hon) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc., accompanied by UPH Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Dr. Curtis J. Taylor. It was witnessed by staff, professors, and students.

UPH Chancellor also shared a spiritual message that was taken from two characters of the Bible: Nehemiah and Peter. The message was: As a leader, one must have integrity, work because it’s God’s calling, and must know that there are things that must be fixed, just like how Nehemiah did. Just like Peter, one must be a leader who was healed by God.

In addition to the inauguration, there was also an appreciation towards officers who served well for 2018/2019 period. This appreciation began with a remark from Yohana Margaret, student of UPH Communications, as a representative of officers from that period. Yohana delivered that during her service as an officer, she learned much and received precious experience.

Yohana remarked, “Each person has his or her talents and interests and it’ll be a waste if not developed. Through the organization, UPH provided an opportunity for us all to continue developing God-given talents. While there’s still a chance, we must use it to the full. To all officers of period 2019/2020, let us serve with commitment and reliance on God.”

To make it official, all new officers swore the oath to commit fully in carrying out their responsibilities for one period.

Representing the officers of the new period, Priscilla Josephine, Head of Mentoring 2019/2020 and student of School of Design 2016, gave a message to all officers in different organizations to be faithful in serving.

Priscilla said, “Being a leader, you must be flexible and push other members to be better. I believe that you must be humble as a leader and to put aside your ego to serve and contribute to UPH. Other than that, contributing to management is important. It is not only beneficial academically, but you can also serve soft skills. Students can also build relationships by being involved in organizations.”