At the start of the event, Judit Kindert, Counselor for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Embassy of Hungary in Berlin, welcomed the attendees.
The meeting was opened by Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University; in his welcome speech, he emphasized the importance of ties to the university:
You carry forward not only the name of our institution, but also the legacy of our namesake, Ignác Semmelweis. However, our task is not merely to preserve the values bequeathed to us, but also to build upon and enrich them.
In his speech, he stressed that German ties had always played a prominent role in the life of Semmelweis University. Thanks to the German-language program launched in 1983, Germany and the university have realized numerous significant collaborations, common scientific symposia, and joint educational programs over the last more than four decades.
This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Alán Alpár, Vice-Rector for International Studies, in which he outlined Semmelweis University’s international presence, with particular emphasis on the achievements and significance of its German-language programs. He explained that, in addition to Budapest, the university had teaching locations in several European countries – Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia. He underlined that international students made up more than 35 percent of the student body, coming from 123 countries around the world. Among them, German students represent the largest group.
Dr. Joel Lüthy, Alumni President of Asklepios Campus Hamburg (ACH), presented the history, current operations, and achievements of the past few years of ACH, Semmelweis University’s binational faculty in Hamburg. In his presentation, he also discussed the role of the ACH alumni community, its programs, and future initiatives.
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Following the presentations, a buffet reception awaited the participants, featuring Hungarian culinary specialties, beverages, and live music. The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the alumni community to strengthen personal and professional ties, evoke shared university memories, and exchange their experiences and professional insights. The closing event of the meeting helped former students of Semmelweis University to expand and nurture their ties to the institution.
The Semmelweis University delegation
The Hungarian delegation was led by Dr. Béla Merkely and included Dr. Alán Alpár; Dr. Péter Nyirády, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (ÁOK); Dr. Veronika Müller, Vice-Dean of ÁOK; Dr. András Kiss, Director of the Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine; Dr. Tamás Hegedüs, Head of the Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs, along with Deputy Director Levente Béla Vágó; Judit Szlovák, Head of the Directorate’s Bilateral and Priority German Relations Department; and Éva Czékmán, international expert.
Éva Czékmán – Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Christian O. Bruch
