The Neumann János Residential College of Engineering has reached a significant milestone, recently celebrating the tenth anniversary of its establishment. This professional community, founded as a student initiative, is renowned for organizing the highly successful P12 programming competition, which was hosted for years by Széchenyi István University. The organization's current long-term project aims to create a competition for students focused on artificial intelligence.

In 2014, a group of enthusiastic students approached Gábor Takács, a lecturer at the Department of Informatics at Széchenyi István University, seeking his assistance in establishing a residential college. The young individuals had already been searching for an appropriate organizational framework for their activities for months. Initially, they explored possibilities within the SZE:dev self-study group, engaging in independent projects and corporate collaborations, before eventually founding the Neumann János Residential College of Engineering. Initially based in the Off-campus Hall of Residence, the college later relocated to the University’s central campus following the inauguration of the Multifunctional Building.

Former and Current Members of the Neumann János IT College

(Photo: Fanni Nyilas / Helix Event Organization Office)

"As an educator, it is always gratifying to encounter curious and proactive students. Naturally, when you approached me, I took the initiative, and as the college’s first programme director, I have endeavoured to guide the team. I considered the request an honour and take great pride in this period and our outstanding collective achievements," stated Gábor Takács at the anniversary event held at the Bridge Student and Faculty Club.

"Participation in student organizations offers at least as much learning experience as attending lectures," he continued, emphasizing that teamwork, organizing joint programmes, taking responsibility, and fostering collaboration all provide valuable experience that students can later apply in their careers. "The residential college serves as an excellent networking platform, and I encourage everyone to be active and make the most of their potential," he concluded.

"The academic college was established through the collaboration of enthusiastic students, and this momentum continues to this day," said Gábor Takács, founding programme director.

(Photo: Fanni Nyilas / Helix Event Organization Office)

Dr János Hollósi, the current programme director and a founding member of the college, highlighted that the organization has had an eventful decade filled with remarkable achievements, challenges, and numerous transformations. "One of our greatest accomplishments was the inception and repeated organization of the national P12 programming competition, which was hosted for years by Széchenyi István University. Under the aegis of the residential college, numerous scientific student research papers have been produced, and this spring, we will be represented at the National Scientific Students’ Conference as well. Our research activities are continuously advancing, with an increasing number of papers being published by our members each year," he stated.

Dr János Hollósi, Programme Director, believes that the restructuring of the residential college and the introduction of working groups have enhanced its scientific activities.

(Photo: Fanni Nyilas / Helix Event Organization Office)

Discussing the current status of the organization, President Márton Horváth provided insights into the college's future plans. "We aim to organize as many programmes as possible, including excursions, social gatherings, and training sessions. We plan to enhance our internal courses and establish an internal knowledge base. Additionally, we intend to engage more with the wider public by hosting at least one lecture or workshop each semester, open to all. Our most ambitious project is a student competition that, to our knowledge, would be the first of its kind worldwide: teams will develop AI agents to play the KLASK board game, with victory awarded to the team that creates the most effective artificial intelligence. Our current research is already laying the groundwork for this event, and we anticipate hosting the first such competition within the next two to three years," he revealed.

Márton Horváth, President, spoke about the present and future of the residential college.

(Photo: Fanni Nyilas / Helix Event Organization Office)

Beyond celebrating the milestone, the tenth-anniversary event also served as an opportunity for reminiscing and strengthening community bonds. A video montage showcasing the college’s most memorable moments created a nostalgic atmosphere, while a quiz featuring questions on the history and current activities of the organization fostered team spirit and engagement.

 

 

 

The event was hosted at the Bridge Student and Staff Club, with dinner provided by the Széchenyi Restaurant and sound services ensured by the Hall of Residence Studio.

(Photos: Fanni Nyilas / Helix Event Organization Office)