The new academic year has begun: Corvinus freshmen took their oath
With over 900 attendees—including students, university leadership, faculty, and invited guests—the Corvinus University community opened the 2026/2027 academic year at Várkert Bazár. The significance of the event was further heightened by the presence of several newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees and the Supervisory Board of the maintaining Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation. The new board members took office on September 1, 2026, making it a particular honor to open the academic year alongside them.
It was also a great pleasure that the event was honored by the presence of Kriszta Bódis, Government Commissioner for National Social Policy Strategy and Sectoral Coordination, who is also the Member of Parliament for the parliamentary constituency encompassing District IX (Ferencváros), home to the university.
Following the procession and introduction of the university leadership, attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of Iván T. Berend. The Kossuth Prize-winning economist, historian, professor, and former Rector of Corvinus passed away on August 30 at the age of 95. The obituary in his memory is available on the university website.
The event opened with a speech by Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of the university, who offered advice to the first-year students closely aligned with the four pillars of Corvinus’s Bridge Strategy. He urged them to remain curious—representing the pillar named Tram 2—by seeking opportunities for shifts in perspective, embracing a multidisciplinary approach, and paying attention to the horizons of sustainability and artificial intelligence. He encouraged them to make full use of the opportunities and services offered by the university—embracing the developments of Intercity, the student-centered university pillar. He advised them to think in international terms—embodied by Flight 6—by discovering other cultures, collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds, and taking advantage of study-abroad programs. Regarding the Ring pillar, which represents the spirit of a research-based university, the Rector advised incoming freshmen to engage in the sharing and creation of knowledge beyond university courses by joining student organizations, entering competitions, and participating in research projects. Finally, he emphasized the importance of constructive debate: ‘We want a university where it is possible to disagree—even strongly. A concept or position can be questioned, a claim disputed, and a different opinion held. But this must be done at a high intellectual level and with respect for one another’s dignity.
The Rector then handed the floor to Milán Gauder, the new President of the Board of Trustees of the Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation. In his speech, the business executive, investor, and philanthropist described the new academic year as the beginning of a new era. Drawing on his own Corvinus experience from 25 years ago, he emphasized that the true value of the university is not defined by the diploma or the curriculum, but by three key abilities students can take with them: learning how to learn, how to think, and how to act in uncertain situations. To achieve this, Corvinus offers not just classes and required reading, but faculty, communities, debates, colleges for advanced studies, student organizations, scientific research competitions (TDK), case study contests, and teamwork—frameworks and experiences that make students stronger, more independent, and better prepared for the world’s challenges. Milán Gauder also addressed the role of the new Board of Trustees, stating that they aim to serve as accessible and approachable leaders. He likened their task to that of road sweepers: ‘The Rector and the leadership team know the path to success. Our job is to clear the way for them so they can move forward faster and safer—with you, the students, on board.’ The Board considers it its mission to create the conditions necessary for Corvinus to continue along its established path toward the forefront of European universities.
Finally, Gergely Mészner, President of the Student Union, addressed the first-year students in attendance. In his speech, he highlighted community participation, independent thinking, debate, and initiative during a prolonged period of continuous change—emphasizing that joining student organizations, launching projects, asking questions, debating, engaging with opposing viewpoints, making mistakes, and changing one’s mind are all essential parts of the university experience. He urged the audience to view Corvinus’s strong reputation not as a given, but as a shared achievement, deriving his core piece of advice from this premise: ‘Do not just be participants in university life. Take responsibility for it.’ In other words, ambition, independence of thought, and community spirit must persist even as the institutional, operational, and decision-making environment around Corvinus evolves. His closing thought to the freshmen captured this mindset: ‘Let us make this place our own, and leave it in a better state than we found it.’
Following the welcome speeches, the first-year students took their oath, officially becoming members of the Corvinus university community in a ceremonial setting.
This was followed by the presentation of the Pro Futura Award, established by the maintaining foundation, which in 2026 was awarded to Zsuzsanna Borbás, Head of Legal and Procurement, by Milán Gauder, President of the Board of Trustees. Since joining the university in 2021, Zsuzsa’s outstanding performance has significantly streamlined our internal operations and strengthened the institution’s reputation. The full citation for the awardee can be read in this article.
The ceremony was made even more memorable by performances from the Corvinus Crescendo Choir, a concert by Elemér Fehér and Sándor Suke (Talentum Hungarikum), and a stage act by the Corvinus Közgáz Folk Dance Ensemble.
Following the ceremony, the academic year opening concluded with informal social activities and celebrations extending into the evening.
