The Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of Széchenyi István University opened the new academic year with an uplifting ceremony at the University Concert Hall. In addition to the traditional oath-taking of first-year students, outstanding students were honoured, and faculty awards were also presented during the event.

Following the main opening ceremony of Széchenyi István University, the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences held its own opening ceremony. The faculty leadership, numerous invited guests, upper-year students, and newly admitted first-year students attended the event at the University Concert Hall. In his welcome address, Dean of the Faculty, Dr Péter Smuk highlighted the advantages of the institution's modern infrastructure and the dedication and exemplary work of the faculty's educators. “Our efforts in education development aim to make learning in the classroom both effective and enjoyable. The classroom is a workshop where everyone has a role to play, and where everyone can experience the joy of creation, the recognition of connections, and the development of our abilities,” he emphasized.

In his speech, he urged students to focus on self-development: “Diligently study the language of law, because you will soon realize the responsibilities that come with practicing these professions. You will be expected not only, and usually not even primarily, to memorise the substantive law. Rather, we expect value-oriented, analytical and critical thinking. Precision is expected not only in your own matters but also in those of others. Excellence is required in your written and spoken expressions. Awareness of world affairs and domestic public matters is also essential.” He noted that many experiences and challenges await first-year students, who can rely on the members of the faculty community in all manner things.

Students who finished first in their year group in the previous academic year received certificates for their outstanding academic work during the opening ceremony: Jana Szabó, Dorina Bosits, Anasztázia Margaréta Máté, Réka Hruby, and Bálint Kocsis in the law programme; Andrea Márkus in the Master’s programme in Labour Relations and Social Security Expert; Boglárka Horváth and Zsófia Borbély in the Bachelor’s programme of Labour Relations and Social Security Expert; Dóra Nyári and Eszter Németh in the Judicial Administration programme; and Réka Fekete in the Legal Higher Education Vocational programme.

Alumni scholars of the Batthyány Lajos Vocational College established the Dr Aradi Csilla Award in 2020 to recognize outstanding students and to emphasize the value of talent, diligence, dedication, and especially community involvement in the life of the college and the faculty. This time, the award was presented to fresh graduate law student Dorina Anna Tóth.

Newly appointed faculty members were also welcomed at the ceremony. Dr Petronella Deres and Dr Roland Kelemen received University Reader appointments, Dr Imre Képessy and Dr Péter Bálint Király received Senior Lecturer appointments, and Dr Enikő Kovács-Szépvölgyi and Dr Dávid Karácsony received Graduate Teaching Assistant appointments. Dr Rita Gyurita, who recently received the Magyary Zoltán Award, and Dr András Lapsánszky, who received the Magyary Memorial Medal, were also recognized.

The Pro Facultate Award’s Hajnik Imre-distinction is awarded to faculty members who, in addition to their educating activities, perform outstanding work for the public life of the faculty. This year, the award was given to Dr Miklós Lévay, a professor in the Department of Criminal Sciences.

To preserve the memory of Gyula Szalay, the founding Dean of the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, the faculty awards the Szalay Gyula Prize to those who have greatly, and long supported the effective fulfilment of the faculty’s tasks, the development of the community of educators and students, and the high-level operation of the faculty. This year, the award was given to Dr Csaba Galli, professional advisor and Reader at the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Vehicle Engineering of Széchenyi István University.

At the ceremony, “Dean’s Commendation” was awarded to József Bana, retired director of the Archives of Győr-Moson-Sopron County, and lecturer at the Department of Legal History, as well as to Péter Hegedüs, Head of Unit at the University Library and Archives of Széchenyi István University.

Gallery: (Photos: Máté Dudás)