The 112th academic year in the modern history of the University of Debrecen was inaugurated on Sunday at the venue called Főnix Aréna in the presence of our institution’s leaders, faculty, first-year students and their families. Rector Zoltán Bács emphasized in his opening speech the symbolic parallels with the name of the venue, noting that the mythical phoenix, as the city’s emblem by rising from its ashes, reveals so much about both the history of Debrecen and the destiny of the university.
- The phoenix is thought to be able to rise again and again because, with each rebirth, it carries with it all the values and experiences it has gained before. This is also true for the University of Debrecen. It is an institution that is proud of its traditions, yet one that never lives only in the past. It is capable of constantly renewing itself and adapting to a changing world by building on its historical legacy. It strives to achieve independence and autonomy, developing effective operational models that create the conditions, stability, security and foundation for the future of its citizens, while making sure that academic freedom should always remain intact- said the university’s top leader.
In his welcoming address to the first-year students, Zoltán Bács called the attention of the attendees to the fact that the youngest student at the university is now a young gentleman of 15 years of age who, demonstrating exceptional talent in mathematics and physics, has successfully passed his high school graduation exam recently. His story proves that talent does not always conform to the usual and traditional timeline.
- Every fresher has brought with them a different story, a distinct set of experiences and a unique set of goals, but the University of Debrecen now unites all of us. The time spent at the university is not exclusively about sitting in lecture halls and taking exams. It is just as much about establishing human connections, sharing experiences and making lifelong friendships. Our university offers an exceptional environment for doing this- said the rector to the more than 12,000 students just beginning their studies in higher education.
Zoltán Bács then went on to outline the opportunities represented by the University of Debrecen, listing the vibrant sports and cultural scenes, music and theater programs, festivals, student organizations and community initiatives.
- Do carry on the story that began way back in 1538, and cherish the message of the phoenix in your hearts: it is knowledge that empowers us to find the potential for renewal in every change,” said Zoltán Bács at the conclusion of his address to the first-year students.
Finally, the rector thanked the outgoing Board of Trustees and Supervisory Board of the Count István Tisza Foundation for the University of Debrecen (GTIDEA) for their work and, at the same time, welcomed the newly appointed Board of Trustees, on behalf of which László Mátyus, the new chair of the GTIDEA Board of Trustees, addressed the participants of the ceremony.
- The challenges of the 21st century prompt us to refresh our thinking and our operations. The aim of the University of Debrecen is not only to respond to these challenges but to become an initiator and shaper of them as well. We are ready to continue developing even amidst changing circumstances. The new Board of Trustees is thus committed to providing our university with a stable, predictable and development-friendly environment. We do believe that the unity of education, research and innovation creates the values that strengthen this institution, this region, and the whole of Hungary in the long run- said the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
László Mátyus mentioned that the task of the Board of Trustees for the upcoming period would be, in addition to phasing out the current foundation, to transition the university to a new governance model that ensures competitiveness and autonomy, and not only in respect of academic autonomy but also in the areas of operational autonomy.
Judit Lannert, Minister for Education and Children’s Affairs and Sectoral Director responsible for higher education, also attended the opening ceremony. In her speech, she noted that the University of Debrecen continues to be an attractive institution even on an international level, occupying a prominent position in rankings that measure the employment prospects of graduates.
- The students who go to this university can consider themselves really fortunate. The University of Debrecen has signed cooperation agreements with as many as 44 vocational training institutions across 12 sectors, while more than 2,700 researchers and faculty members work here. These facts and figures demonstrate that this is one of the most important universities in Hungary, which is of paramount importance to the new central government- said the minister.
She also mentioned that the University of Debrecen has for quite some time had a pioneering role in enrolling international students.
- Its multi-layer system for this purpose, along with its partnership network, regional offices and marketing activities, serves as a genuine example and model for other Hungarian universities. Yet another key factor to its success is its practical approach, which builds on local conditions: an approach that will remain essential in the future as well. In fact, the University of Debrecen is one of the key institutions of higher education from which the future of Hungary remains inseparable. Its medical program is internationally renowned, and excellent work is also done in a number of other fields, including engineering, agricultural sciences, social sciences and the humanities- she added.
The minister also announced the plans for the renewal of teacher training. According to her statement, the aim is to develop a unified, transparent and high-quality training program that simultaneously builds on the traditional values of Hungarian higher education and meets the requirements of the 21st century.
As part of the event, both Hungarian students beginning their studies and international students admitted to the institution, took a solemn oath. On behalf of their peers, one student from each faculty received a symbolic student gradebook from their respective deans.
The freshers were also welcomed by Kevin Németh, President of the Student Self-Government (HÖK) of the University of Debrecen. In his opinion, the mission of the university is to provide a solid foundation that enables students to adapt to new challenges.
- The university offers both knowledge that provides security and freedom for everyone to find their own path. Our Student Self-Government will continue to work in order to ensure that every student can make the most of their college years- said the president of HÖK.
In keeping with tradition, our institution once again recognized the work of its professionals. For the first time in the history of the University of Debrecen, it conferred the titles of rector emeritus and decanus emeritus. Through these honors, the institution acknowledges the outstanding leadership, institution-building service and enduring legacy of its former rectors and deans, who are already retired. The titles of rector emeritus and decanus emeritus express respect, continuity and a lasting sense of belonging to the university community at the same time.
The following individuals received the title of rector emeritus:
· Lajos Gergely, professor emeritus, rector of the Medical University of Debrecen from 1991 to 1995
· László Muszbek, professor emeritus, who served as rector of the Medical University of Debrecen from 1995 to 1999
· György Bazsa, professor emeritus and former rector of Kossuth Lajos University, who served as the university’s top leader from 1995 to 1999
· László Fésüs, professor emeritus, the first rector of the integrated University of Debrecen, founded in 2000, and also rector from 2007 to 2010
· Kálmán Győry, professor emeritus, head of the University of Debrecen from 2001 to 2002
· János Nagy, professor emeritus, who served as rector of the University of Debrecen from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2007
· László Imre, professor emeritus, who served as rector of the University of Debrecen from 2003 to 2004
· István Fábián, professor emeritus, rector of the University of Debrecen from 2010 to 2013.
Decanus Emeritus title was awarded to Professor Emeritus András Nábrádi, a school-founding professor and former dean of the Faculty of Economics.
The Senate of the University of Debrecen awarded one of the highest honors of the institution, the University of Debrecen Medal of Honor, to Rector Emeritus György Bazsa, who, through more than six decades of outstanding professional and public service, has created lasting value in both higher education in Debrecen and Hungarian academic life in general.
Professor Katalin Várnagy was awarded a Pro Universitate Prize. She was recognized for her long-standing, high-caliber and pioneering work at the Faculty of Science and Technology in further developing modern theoretical and practical chemistry education and in conducting research that contributes to a more thorough understanding of the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
The previous rector of our university, Zoltán Szilvássy, received Pro Auditoribus Universitatis Debreceniensis Award from Kevin Németh, President of the University of Debrecen’s Student Self-Government, in recognition of several decades of outstanding professional and management work on behalf of the students.
The University of Debrecen Alumni Award and the right to use this title in 2026 was awarded to the BMW Group Plant in Debrecen. The award was presented to Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant. In his acceptance speech, the CEO emphasized the close relationship between the university and BMW.
- My heart never fails to skip a beat when I come to the university. Factories are really built on people, not concrete and steel, which is why the best investment is always going to be to educate young people- he said.
At the end of the opening ceremony of the new semester and academic year, there was also a concert given by the pop music ensemble of the University of Debrecen, featuring Nati Böjtös, Kadosa Ligeti, Gergely Labancz, Zoltán Miski, Ádám Jenei, László Simonyi and Krisztián Varga.
Press Center- SzZsL