Medan, September 27, 2026 — The Batak Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), held the Batak Literature Alumni Gathering in Medan on Sunday (September 27, 2026). The event served as a momentum to strengthen fellowship between the academic community and alumni from various graduating cohorts, while also providing a platform to foster synergy and collaboration in support of the development of the Batak Literature Study Program and the preservation of Batak language, literature, and culture. The event was attended by 82 participants, consisting of members of the academic community and alumni.
The Alumni Gathering was attended by the Head of the Batak Literature Study Program, Dr. Tomson Sibarani, S.S., M.Hum. The event was opened by the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations, Dr. Zulfan, S.S., M.Hum. Also in attendance were the Vice Dean for Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Academic Infrastructure, Elly Hayati Nasution, S.S., M.Si., CIT., the Head of the North Sumatra Language Center and stakeholder of the Batak Literature Study Program, Dr. Asrif, M.Hum., lecturers from the Batak Literature Study Program, and alumni from various graduating cohorts.
In a warm and family-oriented atmosphere, alumni and members of the academic community shared stories, experiences, and ideas concerning the development of the Batak Literature Study Program. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between alumni and their alma mater, while also opening opportunities for sustainable cooperation and collaboration.
One of the main agendas of the event was the election of the Batak Literature Alumni Association leadership for the 2026–2031 period. The election process was led by Drs. Tigor Tampubolon as a representative of the alumni. Following the election process, Viktor Parasibu, S.S., an alumnus from the 1992 graduating cohort, was entrusted with serving as Chair of the Batak Literature Alumni Association for the 2026–2031 period.
Viktor Parasibu’s election is expected to mark an initial step toward strengthening the alumni association and fostering closer communication and collaboration between alumni and the Batak Literature Study Program. The new leadership is also expected to serve as a platform for strengthening the alumni network and making positive contributions to the development of the study program.
In addition to the election of the Alumni Association leadership, the Alumni Gathering also featured the presentation of ulos by the Batak Literature Study Program to alumni who have successfully continued their education at the Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) levels. The presentation of ulos served as an expression of appreciation and pride from the Batak Literature Study Program for the alumni’s achievements in pursuing higher education.
The ulos-giving ceremony took place in a warm and family-oriented atmosphere. As an integral part of Batak culture, ulos symbolizes affection, respect, prayers, and support for those who receive it. The moment also reflected the alma mater’s appreciation and support for the alumni’s academic journeys and achievements.
Through this Alumni Gathering, the Batak Literature Study Program at FIB USU hopes that the relationship between alumni and their alma mater will continue to grow into meaningful collaborations in the fields of academics, culture, and alumni networking. The spirit of togetherness fostered through this event is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote the existence of the Batak language, literature, and culture amid the changing times.
“Together with our alumni, we strengthen fellowship, build collaboration, and preserve the existence of the Batak language, literature, and culture for continued growth in the future.”