University of Sopron Celebrates New Academic Year with Over 1500 Students and Key Recognitions

Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, the university’s rector, emphasized in his speech: “The University of Sopron should become a catalyst for the intellectual and social development of the Central and Eastern European region in fields such as forestry, timber industry, creative industries, education sciences, and sustainability, and in other areas, it should serve the region’s regional development. I believe that the University of Sopron can simultaneously become a European-recognized, innovative, natural, and economically and socially sustainable institution."

University life is not only about scientific education but also about collaboration, openness, and responsibility in practice. The rector highlighted: “The experiences gained here provide lifelong skills: patience, openness, cooperation, and accountability.”

At the opening ceremony, the University of Sopron also honored outstanding personalities. Mrs. Klára Béres, the president of the Béres Foundation, and Dr. József Béres, owner of the Béres Group, received recognition for their exemplary role in community responsibility.

A special moment was also the greeting of the new students. This year, 1,548 students join the university's community. Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián emphasized: “This number not only signifies an other successful admission but also proves that our university’s educational offerings, student-centered approach, and values are increasingly attractive to young people.”

In addition to community roles, the university’s infrastructure is also rapidly developing. Recently, dormitories and communal spaces have been renovated, and the GREEN entertainment venue is expected to open on campus in October. By the end of the year, the iconic building F will be modernized with a wooden structure, transforming it into a hub for arts education. Thanks to support programs, the renovation of Buildings E and C is underway, further increasing the university’s comfort and functionality.

Prof. Dr. Fábián availed himself of the opportunity to announce the accreditation of the Environmental Information Validation and Verification Body: “This recognition confirms that the university’s compliance assessment work meets the most rigorous international standards and professional requirements. Validation and verification are essential tools for demonstrating sustainable operation and contribute to the creation of a transparent, reliable voluntary carbon market.”

Both the past and present of the University of Sopron oblige us to preserve our values while remaining open to renewal. The diversity, cohesion, and shared goals of our communities make our institution sustainable,” he concluded.

As part of the next agenda awards were also presented.

The University of Sopron Memorial Medal was awarded to Prof. Dr. Etele Csanády, a university professor at the Faculty of Wood Industry Engineering and Creative Industries, in recognition of his decades-long successful teaching and research activities.

The same award was given to Dr. Sándor Cseh, retired senior college lecturer at the university, in recognition of his service as dean of the Apácai Csere János Faculty of Nyugat-magyarországi Egyetem and his role as the university’s Deputy Rector for Education.

Following the awards ceremony, the National Higher Education Scholarships were also handed out, awarded this year to 22 students.

One of the most anticipated and solemn moments of the opening was the oath taken by first-year Hungarian students, followed by international first-year students.

On behalf of the city council, Mayor Ciprián Farkas welcomed the assembled audience.

In his speech, he emphasized that University of Sopron is one of Hungary’s unique educational institutions, of which the residents of Sopron are extremely proud. He added: “Over the past more than 100 years, the university has demonstrated in the city that there is no city without a university, and no university without a city. During times when students choose not only a university but also a city for their career path, Sopron residents can proudly say that we provide good opportunities for everyone wishing to attend our university.”