On 19 February, 250 students from the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, as well as the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, graduated from Széchenyi István University. On 20 February, the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Transport Engineering held its graduation ceremony at the Győr City University Hall. In total, 250 graduates were awarded their diplomas during these two events, including Dalma Sebestyén, a renowned Hungarian swimmer.

At this year's first graduation ceremony at Széchenyi István University, the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences and the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Pedagogy, Humanities and Social Sciences celebrated together. During the event, Dr Angéla Somogyi, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, emphasized that the degrees granted to the students offer them significant opportunities to excel in their respective fields. They are now equipped to uphold the values learned at the institution, to appreciate science, art and faith, and to embody and advocate for moral conduct.  Among the graduates in nursing and those from the Recreation Management and Health Promotion programme, Dr Somogyi also welcomed the first cohort of graduates from the Master's programme in Obstetric and Gynecological Sonography.

Dr Angéla Somogyi, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, also welcomed the first graduates of the Master's Degree in Obstetric and Gynecology Sonography (Photo: András Adorján)

Dr Attila Pongrácz, Dean of the Apáczai Csere János Faculty, noted that in 2025, the 400th anniversary of the birth of János Csere Apáczai, the renowned pedagogue, will be commemorated. He emphasized that the legacy of Apáczai continues to influence education in Győr to this day. Dr Pongrácz stated that the guiding principles of the faculty’s work are the transmission of values and innovation. "Currently, the faculty offers nine bachelor's degree programmes, including International Relations and Sociology, which are also available in English, five master's degree programmes, and more than 20 postgraduate programmes" he explained. He further added that these short courses are continuously evolving, with a strong focus on digitalization and sustainability.

Dr Attila Pongrácz, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, characterized the activities of the Apáczai Csere János Faculty with the terms 'value transmission' and 'innovation’. (Photo: András Adorján)

On behalf of the graduates, Dalma Sebestyén, a student of Sports and Recreation Management and an Olympic swimmer, bade farewell. "I remember when I first moved to Győr and stepped through the gates of the institution, I felt such excitement, as though I was preparing for the start of an important competition. I consider myself fortunate to have met so many wonderful people here. University is not merely a place for lectures and exams; it is a place where friendships are formed, where one can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and where one learns that even failure is merely another step towards success," the athlete reflected. She said that swimming had been a part of her life since she was four years old, but she has always valued education.  She is pleased to see that an increasing number of elite athletes are recognizing the importance of academic advancement. "Finding a balance between competitive sport and studies is not easy, but I am confident that Széchenyi István University offers exceptional support, without which I would not be standing here today," she emphasized.

Olympian Dalma Sebestyén received her diploma at the ceremony (Photo: András Adorján)

Following a performance by the students of the Faculty of Design and Performance Arts, Csenge Szatmáry, a student of Community Coordination and a member of the Photo-Video Department of the Student Union’s Helix Event Management Office, was awarded the Pro Auditoribus Award for her exceptional community work. At the ceremony, nearly one hundred graduates from the Apáczai Csere János Faculty and more than sixty graduates from the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences were awarded their diplomas.

In addition to her diploma, Csenge Szatmáry was also awarded the Pro Auditoribus Award  (Photo: András Adorján)

On 20 February, during the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Transport Sciences, nearly one hundred students took their oaths.

Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of MÁV Zrt., addressed the participants via a video message. He stated that systemic changes are underway in the field of transport, and Hungarian mobility is on the verge of transformation, offering new opportunities for young professionals. "You have made a future-proof decision by choosing to study transport. You are in the right place at the right time: at a time when professionals are in high demand, and at Széchenyi István University in Győr, where a degree — and I say this from a management perspective — holds significant value in the domestic mobility sector. It serves as an excellent entry point into companies in the Hungarian transport industry, from large firms to the MÁV Group itself," he said.

Zsolt Hegyi, the CEO of MÁV greeted the new graduates (Photo: András Adorján)

Dr János Szép, Dean, pointed out that the faculty is home to approximately 1,000 students studying architecture, civil engineering, and transport engineering, and it also offers specialized engineering courses. In addition to education, the faculty places a strong emphasis on scientific activities and industrial partnerships. "We provide numerous opportunities for collaboration and practical experience, including with the Winkler Gábor Engineering College and the SZEnavis concrete canoe team. We also incorporate collaborative tasks into our curriculum, as the professions we represent often work together in the market. Being an engineer is both a responsibility and a privilege. You have chosen a profession that literally shapes the world. Your skills are in high demand both domestically and internationally," he stressed.

The students’ oath was accepted by Dr János Szép, Dean of the Faculty. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

Dr Movahedi Rad Majid, Vice-Dean of the Faculty, extended a welcome to the English-taught graduates, followed by Levente Lajtai, who spoke on behalf of the Hungarian students, and Maria Jose Morocho Rojas, who addressed the international students.

Following a performance by dancers from the 45-year-old Győr Ballet, Dr Dániel Harrach, Associate Professor, received the Teachers for Students Award, while Domonkos István Sajtos, a bachelor’s student of Transportation Engineering and member of the Helix Event Management Office, received the Pro Auditoribus Award.

Photo gallery (Photos: András Adorján, Máté Dudás)