The University of Szeged’s Faculty of Economics and Business Administration recently hosted its International Cultural Gala, a distinguished highlight among a series of events commemorating the Faculty’s 25th anniversary. Coordinated by Dr. Ildikó Pusztai-Varga, Director of International Affairs, and Melinda Kovács, International Relations Coordinator with the help of the head mentors team, this special event welcomed guests and showcased the faculty’s global connections and diverse community. Held at the Albert Szent-Györgyi Agora, a cultural and social hub in Szeged, students and faculty members gathered to enjoy music, performances, and cuisine from over a dozen countries, each representing the rich diversity within the university.
In her opening speech, Dr. Pusztai-Varga highlighted the faculty’s journey toward internationalization, noting how it evolved from eight students studying the English-language program in 2013 to a community with students from over fifty countries today. “This year, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on how far we’ve come in becoming an international and multicultural faculty,” she remarked. The faculty’s esteemed EFMD accreditation in 2023, she said, underscores its role in the global academic community.
Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Széll Márta expressed pride in the faculty’s ability to foster a multicultural environment, praising it as a “unique pillar” that establishes valuable partnerships across sectors. She emphasized that the Gala was a testament to the university’s values of openness, curiosity, and cultural unity. Dr. Nagy Benedek, Dean of the Faculty, spoke with appreciation about the faculty’s journey and its growth into an inclusive community that celebrates diversity. "We aimed to expand to international markets," he said, "but gained so much more—a dynamic community enriched by our international students."
Distinguished guests at the event included Mr. Ifan Mahdiyat Sofiana, Minister Counsellor of Socio-Culture and Public Diplomacy from Indonesia; Mr. Entz Boldizsár Péter, Honorary Consul of Ghana; Ms. Bouakeo Sounnalath, Deputy Chief of Mission of Laos; Ms. Vanida Siounethay, Third Secretary of Laos; Prof. Dr. Széll Márta, Vice-Rector for Strategic Planning; Dr. Nagy Benedek, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (GTK); Dr. Kertész Attila, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Science and Informatics; Prof. Dr. Szakonyi Zsolt, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; Prof. Dr. Antal Tamás, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law; and Dr. Mészáros Ágnes from Budapest’s Hopp Ferenc Museum of Asiatic Arts. The event also warmly welcomed long-standing colleagues from the university’s Directorate for International and Public Relations Office.
The evening featured a remarkable array of cultural performances, beginning with a performance by a Chinese student. Lê Trần Trâm Anh from Vietnam sang a traditional song, followed by a cultural presentation from Rawan Shoqair and Jamal Hmoud, who shared insights into Jordanian culture. A group of young men and women from Laos performed a traditional dance, and a student from Bangladesh sang in her native language, accompanied by a display of traditional clothing.
Photographer: Bianka Móró (SZTE Alma Mater)
The program continued with Indonesian students Colin John and Andi Sri Wahyuni, who introduced Nipah leaf handicrafts, while Jessica Christie Maringka led a group of Indonesian students in a traditional song and costume display. Japanese students Mao Uekita, Nana Tsugata, and Takahata Takehiro performed a traditional Japanese song, and Muees Moosa from the Maldives recited a poem in the Dhivehi language.
A traditional dance performance by Pakistani students Erab Lawrence and Ahmed Ali energized the room, followed by a presentation on Kyrgyz culture by Khalima Lebuzova and a song by Ayana Melisbekova. The event closed with vibrant performances from MaryJane Chinelo of Nigeria and Ghanaian colleague Timothy Yaw Acheampong, who delighted the audience with Afrobeats music and songs by RecoJay a Szeged university Alumni.
Photographer: Bianka Móró (SZTE Alma Mater)
After the performances, attendees enjoyed traditional dishes from around the world, prepared by students, and browsed a mini exhibition of international gifts and memorabilia, including the EFMD accreditation certificate. The International Cultural Gala, filled with music, food, and friendship, perfectly embodied the University of Szeged’s commitment to internationalization and multicultural unity as it celebrates its 25th year.
The pictures were taken by: Bianka Móró (SZTE Alma Mater), Eszter Szalanczy (SZTE GTK)
