The 2018/2019 academic year at Széchenyi István University was formally opened on the first Monday of September with a ceremony held in the University Sports Hall.

Following the singing of the Hungarian national Anthem, the members of the University management and the distinguished guests were introduced: Dr Péter Földesi, University Rector; Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs; Mr David Fekete, Deputy Mayor; Dr Miklós Kuczmann, Dean, Faculty of Mechanical-, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology; Dr Balázs Horváth, Dean, Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Transport; Dr Barna Hanula, Dean, Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering; Dr Adrienn Reisinger, Vice-Dean, Kautz Gyula Faculty of Economics; Dr Attila Pongrácz, Dean, Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Dr Judit Fazekas-Lévay, Dean, Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law; Dr Éva Szalka, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences; Dr Zsolt Szakály, Vice-Dean, Faculty of Health and Sports Science; Dr István Ruppert, Dean, Faculty of Performance Arts.

Dr Péter Földesi, Rector of the University, proceeded to give the opening speech, welcoming new students and members of staff. At the conclusion of his speech, he greeted the newly arrived international students in English and wished them every success in their studies.

At this point he handed over to the Vice-Rector of Széchenyi István University, Dr Eszter Lukács, who addressed the new international students in English. After welcoming all present, Dr Lukács spoke at some length about the University’s internationalization process and the increase in the numbers of international students registering. From 58 international students in 2016-2017, the total has risen to around 200 for the new academic year 2018-2019. If the students of non-Hungarian citizenship studying on Hungarian-taught programmes are added to this figure, then the total for all international students registered at the University is 368. This figure represents around 5% of active full-time students. The Vice-Rector further emphasized that international students originate from 43 countries.

She subsequently spoke about the triple helix model of University-Municipality-Industry, giving different examples of collaboration. The Vice-Rector then continued to outline the aspects of the city of Győr which she hoped that newly arrived international students would appreciate. She finished her speech by thanking everyone who had made the opening of this academic year a success.

Dr Dávid Fekete, a Deputy Mayor of Győr, then gave a speech on the dynamic economic progress made by Győr over the two decades and the prospects for the city’s future development. He also stressed the importance of collaboration with both industry and the University.

After the Deputy-Mayor’s speech, the students stood to take the University Oath.

Following the Oath the audience heard a chorale from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata no. 147 performed by a quintet of wind instruments composed of students from the Faculty of Performance Arts. The chorale was followed by a selection of Mexican songs.

Subsequently, on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources, there was an award ceremony of National Higher Education scholarships to 44 Széchenyi István scholars for excellence in study as well as for social achievements. Dr Péter Földesi, Rector of the University, handed over the scholarship certificates to the award winners.

Next, awards for recognition of “Excellence in Sport – Excellence in Study” were handed to the winners by the Dean of the University. When handing over the award certificates, the rector gave details of each student’s sports and academic achievements.

Finally, in recognition of his many years’ work and the successful results he achieved as head of the rowing division of the Győr Athletics Club, Oszkár Papp was awarded a memorial plaque by the Rector.

The awards ceremony came to an end with the singing of the Anthem „Szózat” (Appeal).