While many view the legal profession as one defined by constraints, for the graduating students of the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Széchenyi István University, the diploma awarding ceremony held on 17 July also demonstrated that the law can serve as a means of personal development, social responsibility and even professional freedom.

The Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences held its diploma and doctoral conferment ceremony on 17 July at the University Sports Hall in Győr. At the event, 240 students received their diplomas, and those who had successfully completed their undivided law studies were formally awarded doctoral titles. Attended by the faculty’s leadership, academic staff, and representatives of professional organizations, the ceremony marked a significant milestone not only for the graduates but also for the faculty itself, as it concluded the 30th academic year since the reestablishment of legal education in Győr in 1995. 

In his speech, the Dean, Professor Dr Péter Smuk, emphasized that this year’s graduating class was exceptional not only in terms of its size and performance but also due to the unique circumstances it faced. “The work of today’s graduates was shaped by the renewal of the faculty, as well as by numerous personal joys and challenges,” he noted, adding that the class had proven the resilience of legal education in Győr, showing it to be resistant to both crises and COVID-19. The Dean also highlighted the wide range of educational programmes offered by the faculty, spanning from the undergraduate programme in judicial administration to doctoral studies. He announced that the portfolio will expand further in September 2026 with the launch of new master’s programmes in children's rights and criminology.

"Over the past thirty years, the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences has become a leading centre for legal education in the West Transdanubian region," emphasized the Dean, Professor Dr Péter Smuk, in his speech. (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

At the event, a ceremonial address was also delivered by Dr Attila Posta, President of the Győr Bar Association, who encouraged the new graduates to always pay attention not only to the letter of the law but also to its spirit, and to remain faithful to the ideal of justice throughout their legal careers. “A diploma is not merely a certificate, but also a promise — a promise to serve the law with human dignity and professional responsibility,” he emphasized.

Dr Attila Posta, President of the Győr Bar Association, also greeted the fresh graduates. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

Zsófia Réti, a graduating law student, delivered a farewell address on behalf of her fellow students. “We are often referred to as the ‘Covid cohort,’ as the first year and a half of our studies were confined to the virtual space due to the global pandemic. But it was precisely this period that taught us adaptability, perseverance, and how we could become a true community despite the hardships,” she said. She also highlighted that thanks to the faculty’s talent development initiatives and community programmes, they gained not only professional but also deeply personal and lasting experiences.

On behalf of her fellow students, Zsófia Réti said farewell to the University (Photo: András Adorján)

The Faculty of Law places special emphasis on recognizing students' community involvement and their contributions to academic life. In the Pro Auditoribus award category (certificate of merit), the following students were honoured: Rebeka Lídia Oláh (undergraduate programme in Judicial Administration), Réka Székesi (undivided law programme), Dóra Tátrai (undivided law programme), Dorottya Torda (undergraduate programme in Judicial Administration), and Eszter Zalán (undergraduate programme in Judicial Administration). In the Pro Auditoribus diploma category, Bettina Feledi (undergraduate programme in Judicial Administration) and Napsugár Doroti Kiss (undivided law programme) received recognition.

The “Lecturers for Students” award was presented to Dr Péter Bálint Király, Assistant Professor in the Department of Administrative and Financial Law. According to the students’ commendation, the lecturer was always approachable, exemplified helpfulness and attentiveness, actively participated in the faculty’s community life beyond teaching hours, and played an outstanding role in talent development.

Dr Péter Bálint Király, as a regular participant in student events, is regarded by students as a compassionate and kind presence in the everyday life of the faculty community. (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

In his closing remarks, Dr Péter Smuk offered words of guidance to the graduates: “Along with your degree, carry with you qualities such as clear communication, empathy, and a commitment to quality. My wish is that you demonstrate humility, respect, and a strong sense of professional duty—let these be the traits by which the world comes to recognize us.”

 

 

 

With their diplomas in hand, the recent graduates of Széchenyi University bid farewell to their alma mater as they set out toward their new careers. (Photo: Gergely Nagy)