Rector’s message

Last modified: 24. April 2026

We all were students once.

No matter how many years we spend at the University—2, 3, 5 or even 8—we become alumni the moment we earn our diploma, a status that lasts a lifetime. This defining period creates a lasting bond between the University and its graduates, one that remains an essential part of both our personal and institutional identity.

At a time when Hungarian higher education is undergoing profound change, I believe it is especially important for the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences to actively engage with its alumni community. The alma mater must take the first step in reconnecting with former students and continue to support new graduates—so that “always welcome back” becomes a lived reality and a true shared community.

Since beginning its work under a new name and foundation structure in February 2021, while honoring the traditions of its legal predecessors, the University has opened new paths for collaboration. I am convinced that our social and professional ties can be strengthened most effectively through the active involvement of alumni. There are many areas in which we can work together and support one another: high-quality theoretical and practical education, dual training, and even thesis work consulations are unthinkable without the experience and contribution of our graduates.

Throughout the years, life has often brought members of our professional community together as colleagues—whether they graduated in Gödöllő, Budapest, Gyöngyös, Keszthely, Kaposvár or Szarvas. Today, as a university with five campuses covering almost the entire country, MATE offers the opportunity for these connections to begin already during undergraduate studies.

The new MATE alumni program, which I encourage everyone to join, aims to support class and group reunions, strengthen networking among graduates, current students, academic staff and employers, and enable both the University and its alumni to follow professional career paths alongside the educational, research and practical achievements of the alma mater.

Our goal is to welcome as many former students as possible back “home” and help them reconnect with their University.

Prof. Dr. Csaba Gyuricza
rector