Yogyakarta, March 29, 2026 — The Master’s Program in English Language Education (EEMP) at Sanata Dharma University has officially launched a new initiative titled Quarterly MPBI Alumni Sharing Hours (Q-MASH), aimed at strengthening connections between alumni and their alma mater. The launch coincides with the program’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade since its official establishment under a decree issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education on March 29, 2016.

EEMP has produced more than 150 graduates over the past nine years. However, only 122 alumni are currently connected through official communication channels such as the WhatsApp Group (WAG). “This gap invites reflection and action. We need to reconnect with those who are not yet part of the network,” Markus Budiraharjo, Ed.D., Head of the Study Program, noted.

Q-MASH is designed as a recurring forum that fosters meaningful, supportive, and mutually empowering relationships among alumni and the institution. It also serves as part of MPBI’s broader vision to enhance professional capacity and strengthen partnerships, with alumni positioned as key collaborators.

Each Q-MASH session is structured to run for 75 minutes, ensuring a focused yet interactive experience. The format includes a 15-minute introduction from the program or alumni association, followed by two alumni presentations of 15 minutes each—revised to prioritize discussion and audience engagement—and a 20-minute open Q&A session.

In its first year, Q-MASH operates on a pro bono and volunteer-based model, without a dedicated budget. Despite this, organizers have committed to maintaining consistency by preparing a full-year schedule, allowing both alumni and students to anticipate and participate in upcoming sessions.

The themes explored in Q-MASH center on alumni professional trajectories, including roles as educators, researchers, and edu-preneurs. All discussions are grounded in the core values of Sanata Dharma University: respect for human dignity, appreciation of diversity, seeking social justice, and the pursuit of truth and excellence.

Krismalita, who is now a lecturer in the English Literature Program at Soegijapranata Catholic University, reflected on her academic journey and personal transformation. She described her early struggles with self-doubt, passivity, and the demands of graduate-level study, including reading academic journals, writing, and speaking in class.

“My turning point came when I was invited to a workshop at Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang. It was Pak Markus who invited me to join him. He gave a one-day training on university quality assurance in the institution. That experience helped me regain confidence,” she shared. She also emphasized the importance of a supportive academic environment, highlighting how peers and lecturers played a crucial role in building her resilience.

Yunika Upa shared her professional journey across various regions in Indonesia, including Toraja, Sorong, and Kalimantan. As the youngest child in her family, she described the challenge of transitioning from a highly supported home environment to independent living and working far from home.

“At first, I felt afraid and lacked confidence, especially facing academic demands that required extensive reading. But the support from lecturers and peers helped me persevere,” she explained. In her current teaching practice, she emphasizes the importance of creating an emotionally secure learning environment for students.

The session was also attended by MPBI’s taskforce team—Chelvino Dimas, Andrea Rinjani, and Ira Savitri—alongside several alumni, including Nurhapsari, Dyah, and Albertus Yordana.

Moving forward, the selection process for speakers will be further refined to ensure a more systematic and inclusive approach. For now, participation remains voluntary, with alumni invited to contribute based on their willingness to share.

With its emphasis on collaboration and continuity, Q-MASH is expected to become a dynamic platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective growth within the MPBI community, especially in navigating the evolving landscape of education.