Education Delegation (May 20-22, 2024)
During the first three days of the Hungarian Summit 2024 we visited three universities in Central Florida with a Hungarian delegation, which included representatives from six Hungarian universities namely: University of Óbuda, University of Debrecen, Széchényi István University, Gál Ferenc University, METU and the Hungarian Innovation Hub and Eszterházy Károly Catholic University.
Two of the Hungarian representatives were also former ambassadors. Dr. László Szabó (former Hungarian Ambassador to the US) currently the CEO of the Hungarian Innovation Hub and Tibor Biál (former Czech Ambassador to Hungary) currently General Director of Óbuda University. In addition, our delegation included Dean Dr. Zoltán Árpási (Gál Ference University), Vice-Rector of Education Dr. Hajnalka Csáfor with Rector Dr. Ilona Pajtók-Tari from Eszterházy Károly Catholic University. METU (Metropolitan University) was represented by President and CEO Dr. Richard Wenczel, Special Advisor Dr. Péter Nagy attended from the University of Debrecen and Recruiting and International Communication Head of Unit, Annabella Bihari together with North America Advisor Jószef Kepli were delegates from Széchényi István University.
During the first day (May 20, 2024) our delegation visited Stetson University (DeLand, Florida). Our visitors were welcomed by Paula Hentz (Director or Global Initiatives) and Rina Tovar Arroyo (President’s Chief of Staff) followed by a presentation about Stetson University’s academic programs presented by Dr. Rosalie Richards (Vice Provost). Before lunch the delegation was led to a walking tour of campus. After lunch the presentations focused on alumni network and marketing, life of a student athlete and career development programs for all students.
During the second day (May 21, 2024) our delegation visited the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, which is the second largest public university in the US. In the morning our delegates were welcomed in the UCF Global building by Director of International Recruitment and Partnership Mark Hartman. The other presentations included an introduction of UCF’s programs, research and alumni network. Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science Dr. Ali Gordon completed our morning. After lunch the delegates visited UCF’s Incubator in the Research Park, where Dr. Carol Ann Director of the Incubator program explained the function of the business incubator. Finally, Dr. Necati Catbas (Professor of Civil Infrastructure) explained his project as one of the many hosted at the Incubator. The day ended with a networking event at the National Entrepreneur Center.
During the third day (May 22, 2024) our delegation visited Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Florida. Our delegation was given a tour of the facility showcasing the engineering as well as the pilot training aspects of the university. We also had a chance to see their fleet of airplanes and the airport. After lunch we traveled to the Research Park where Dr. Stephanie Miller explained their projects and walked us around the building to show the ongoing businesses hosted there. Finally, the delegation learned about ERAU’s alumni network system from Dr. Edmund Odartey-Williams.
Hungarian Summit Big Day (May 23, 2024)
After the opening remarks and panel discussions the higher education group moved to room 225 for the introduction presentations of the American universities followed by the Hungarian universities. The American Universities included: UCF, USF, Miami Dade College, HVCC, Stetson University, Coastal Carolina, RMU, Bethun-Cookman University and Daytona State College. The moderator was Dr. Judit Trunkos, RMU)
The Hungarian Universities included: University of Debrecen, Széchényi István University, University of Pécs, METU and the Hungarian Innovation Hub, Gál Ferenc University, University of Óbuda, University of Szeged and Eszterházy Károly Catholic University. Moderator was Dr. Zoltán Dubéczi (MRK).
The Big Day ended with a match-making activity between our American and Hungarian universities based on interest including short-term, long-term programs and research.
Hungarian Summit Friday (May 24, 2024)
After the opening remarks and panels, the higher education group moved to room 225 and presented best practices and experiences about existing programs and academic connections moderated by Dr. Károly Jókay (Fulbright Commission). The workshop was designed to provide information about the best ways to initiate and complete academic connections between Hungarian and American universities.