ASSAA

ASSAA Announces New Leadership and Unveils Plans for Annual Thanksgiving Event

Yogyakarta, November 2025 — The official organization for students and alumni of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) American Studies department, the American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), has begun a new phase of community involvement and leadership. Dana Auladdin Althaf has been formally appointed as the new President of ASSAA 2025 after Glory Emanuelle’s period as President came to an end. He is accompanied by Rezki Dwi Agung, who is currently Vice President. Together, the new leadership hopes to improve the organization’s operations, foster greater cooperation, and uphold ASSAA’s position as a liaison between students, alumni, and the larger academic community.

The upcoming Annual Thanksgiving Event, a long-standing custom within the American Studies community, is one of the first significant initiatives under their direction. This year’s celebration, which is set for November 26 and 27, 2025, will feature a number of events aimed at building social connections, enhancing scholarly conversation, and celebrating the values of thankfulness and unity.

According to Dana and Rezki, the two-day event will consist of three primary elements: a banquet, a film discussion, and a public lecture. The event’s intellectual center will be the public lecture, which will feature notable academics and professionals discussing issues related to American politics, culture, or international events. 

Another essential component of the Thanksgiving custom is the film discussion, which will focus on a chosen American movie that highlights important social, political, or cultural themes. The program enables students to interact with visual media as a type of cultural text by fusing film screening with critical conversation, which closely aligns with the multidisciplinary aspect of American Studies. Additionally, the conversation offers a forum for students and alumni to exchange viewpoints and examine current problems via the prism of film.

A Thanksgiving feast, intended to promote togetherness within the American Studies community, will mark the culmination of the festivities. In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the banquet will unite students, professors, and alumni. Beyond its symbolic significance, the gathering reflects ASSAA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging and unity within the department.

According to the new leadership, the vision for this year’s Thanksgiving event goes beyond tradition. Dana and Rezki emphasized their intention to make the event not only celebratory but also educational, inclusive, and aligned with the community’s evolving needs. They expressed hopes that the event would attract wider participation, especially from alumni who play a vital role in supporting the organization’s long-term growth.

ASSAA’s leadership transition marks an important moment for the association, signaling renewed energy and direction. With the upcoming Thanksgiving event as their first major initiative, Dana and Rezki aim to set a strong foundation for the rest of their term. Their plans reflect a commitment to maintaining the legacy established by previous leaders while introducing fresh perspectives to further develop the American Studies community at UGM.

As preparations continue, members of ASSAA and the broader American Studies community look forward to a meaningful and memorable Thanksgiving celebration one that honors tradition, fosters critical engagement, and strengthens the bonds that define the organization.