20 October 2025
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The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), once again marked a proud moment through the Doctoral Open Defense for a student of the Agricultural Science Doctoral Program, Thomson Sebayang (Student ID: 188104018), on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, held at IMT-GT, USU Rectorate Building.
In his dissertation titled “Spatial Integration of Shallot Commodity Markets between Rural and Urban Markets in North Sumatra,” Thomson Sebayang discussed the interconnection between rural and urban markets in the shallot trade as an essential commodity in North Sumatra.
This Agribusiness lecturer at the USU Faculty of Agriculture has proven that age is no barrier to pursuing knowledge. At nearly 68 years old, he demonstrated great passion and commitment in completing his doctoral education, becoming an inspiration for younger lecturers to continue their studies and achieve excellence in academia.
The open defense was chaired by Prof. Dr. Edy Ikhsan, S.H., MA., Vice Rector I of USU, with the supervisory team consisting of Dr. Ir. Rahmanta, M.Si. (Promoter), Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, SP., M.Ec. (Co-Promoter), and Prof. Dr. Sya’ad Afifuddin, S.E., M.Ec. (Co-Promoter). The examination panel included Prof. Dr. Ir. Tavi Supriana, MS., Dr. Sri Fajar Ayu, S.P., MM., and Prof. Dr. Eko Wahyu Nugrahadi, M.Si. from Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED).
At the conclusion of the defense, Prof. Edy expressed his deep appreciation and admiration for Thomson Sebayang’s remarkable enthusiasm.
“We all witnessed a historic moment showing that age should never be an excuse to stop learning. This is an inspiration for the younger generation. Mr. Thomson answered questions as if he were still in his forties. On behalf of the Rector, I extend our gratitude to Mr. Thomson and his family. May this achievement bring blessings and further strengthen his contribution as a lecturer in the Agribusiness Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, USU,” said Prof. Edy in his closing remarks.
This accomplishment stands as tangible proof that dedication to science and higher education can flourish regardless of age, while inspiring the academic community of USU to continue striving for excellence and contributing to national advancement.
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