This year’s SZTE Alma Mater Award was presented at the opening of the Spring Job Fair again, the University of Szeged’s most significant career event. The award, now in its nineteenth year, honours organizations that are committed to supporting the university community and its students. In 2025, the recognition was granted to the Government Office of Csongrad - Csanad County. The award was presented to Chief County Officer Dr. László Péter Salgó by Prof. Dr. Klára Gellén, Vice-Rector for Education, Prof. Dr. Márta Görög, Rector’s Commissioner for Alumni Affairs, and Dr. Tamás Bene, Director for International and Public Relations.

Following the ceremonial welcome by Prof. Dr. Klára Gellén, Prof. Dr. Márta Görög shared insights into the background and criteria of the award.

Each year, the University of Szeged’s alumni organization honours partners who maintain a close professional relationship with the institution, contribute to its strategic goals, and serve as key employers of its graduates. The Government Office of Csongrad - Csanad County exemplifies these criteria: out of its 1,556 employees, 730 hold a degree from the University of Szeged, and nearly three-quarters of employees with higher education qualifications have ties to the university.

The partnerships developed over the years — including the strategic agreements signed in 2024 and the Klauzál Internship Programme — ensure that students gain practical experience while also fostering their interest in careers in public administration. The Government Office actively participates in the university’s talent management and alumni programmes, regularly hosts interns, mentors students, and provides professional support to various university faculties.

During the award ceremony, Chief County Officer Dr. László Péter Salgó emphasized that the Government Office not only provides employment opportunities for recent graduates, but also consciously supports the career paths of future public administration professionals. He highlighted that maintaining a close partnership with the university enhances synergies not only within the county but potentially on a regional level as well. Beyond its everyday responsibilities, the Office also works for the benefit of the community through innovative initiatives. In his speech, he referred back to the words of the Rector’s Commissioner, stating that receiving such an award is not the end of the journey, but rather a reaffirmation of the intention to collaborate and a call to define new directions and future tasks.

The partnership between the University of Szeged and the Government Office is indeed exemplary: strategic cooperation agreements, practical legal training, the Alumni Mentoring Programme, and the Klauzál Internship Programme all serve the purpose of involving talented students in the world of public administration during their university years. With this award, the SZTE Alma Mater community not only acknowledges the Government Office’s commitment so far, but also reinforces the partnership in future talent development and employment initiatives.

With this recognition, the Government Office is entitled to use the designation “SZTE Alma Mater Award 2025” and will be prominently featured on the university’s communication platforms. The award is not only a recognition of past achievements but also a source of renewed momentum for deepening future cooperation.

Congratulations!