Formal Ceremony Marks Graduation of Light Industry Engineers in Székelyudvarhely

In a formal ceremony attended by distinguished guests, students from the Rejtő Sándor Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering in Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc), Romania received their light industry engineering diplomas. This event marks another significant boost for the city and its local industry.

Among the prominent attendees were Dr. Ferenc Ilyés, Director of the Székelyudvarhely University Center; Jenő Szász, President of the National Strategy Research Institute; Katalin Szili, Chief Advisor to the Hungarian Prime Minister; and István Szakács-Paál, Mayor of Székelyudvarhely. In their speeches, the high-ranking guests emphasized the importance of national cohesion and higher education in the Carpathian Basin.

The diplomas were presented by Dr. habil. László Koltai, Dean of the Rejtő Sándor Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering, also conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács. In his address, the Dean of the Rejtő Faculty highlighted the crucial role of the graduating engineers in the region’s economic development, underscoring the responsibility that comes with their knowledge and the opportunities they should seize. He stressed the immense importance of light industry engineering education for Székelyudvarhely and the entire Székely Land, as these newly qualified professionals can significantly contribute to the modernization and increased competitiveness of local industry. He encouraged the students to leverage the opportunities their diplomas provide and not shy away from the responsibilities of engineering work.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were Dr. Gabriella Oroszlány, Coordinator of Cross-Border Programs, and Melinda György, Study Coordinator for Rejtő Faculty students in Székelyudvarhely. Their presence further underscored the commitment to Hungarian higher education across the borders and the support from the parent institution in Hungary.

All speeches at the event highlighted the importance of education, knowledge, and innovation. The guests congratulated the graduates and wished them great success in their careers, emphasizing that with their acquired knowledge, they can create value and contribute to the development of their community.

This graduation ceremony not only marked the conclusion of another successful academic year but also signified the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Transylvania and Székely Land, strengthening the city’s role in regional higher education and as an engine of economic development.

Fashion Show at Rejtő Faculty: Secession 2.0 – Where Past and Present Meet in Fashion

The defining characteristics of Art Nouveau (also known as Secession) – its flexible, winding lines, botanical ornamentation, and stylized animal depictions – all reflect the beauty and harmony of nature. This dreamlike world came to life at the Rejtő Sándor Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering’s Product Design Institute’s “SECESSION 2.0” fashion show. This event showcased the semester projects of Hungarian and English-speaking industrial product and design engineering students.

The collections blended the visual world of Southern Hungarian Art Nouveau with contemporary fashion tools, bridging the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation. The unique forms, organic decorative motifs, and rich color palette inspired the students during the design process. Thus, the garments are not only beautiful but can also be seen as a reinterpretation of our cultural heritage.

Art Nouveau flourished from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, a period that saw the emergence of a new female ideal: the independent, educated, and active woman. This shift was also evident in fashion, as clothes became more comfortable and practical, allowing women greater freedom of movement. Although it was known by different names in various places (e.g., Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Secession), the essence remained the same. Furthermore, Hungarian Art Nouveau drew heavily from folk art, exemplified by works from Zsolnay, Ödön Lechner, and Miksa Róth.

This world was evoked by the students of the Rejtő Faculty, including Bohus Anna, Fülöp Dániel, Hirsch Péter, Kiss Maja Lilien, Mészáros Eszter, Liziczai Fruzsina, Nagy Anna Viktória, Rábaközi Dóra, Simon András, Simon Boglárka Júlia, Szabó Lilla, Szabó Anett, Al Akroush Noor Hatem, Hyrah Correia Pereira, Mina Jakovljevic, Ibrahim AlAnoud Muhannad Jawdat, Melvin Ntwali Kadende, Argen Kanatbekov, Laura Alexandra Lozano Sanchez, Santiago José Márquez Dimaté, Willy Gustave Shimwa Duhirwe, Arailym Syeit, Jeanne d’arc Umutoni, and Kadingkham Xaiyavong.

Key faculty and staff members from the Product Design Institute involved in realizing this project include: Dr. habil Edit Csanák DLA, Dr. Dóra Papp-Vid DLA, Dr. Orsolya Nagyné Szabó, Péterné Korona, András Koleszár, Virág Némethy, and Viktória Sima-Molnár.