On 11th October 2025, the Grand Ballroom of the Károlyi–Csekonics Palace hosted the so-called Károli University Day, an event commemorating the foundation of the university and expressing gratitude to its colleagues and supporters.
The guest of honour was Christopher Vajda, British King’s Counsel, who received the title of ’Doctor Honoris Causa’ from Rector László Trócsányi during the ceremony. Professor Vajda was awarded this distinguished title in recognition of his outstanding and exemplary international legal career, his work as a lawyer, arbitrator and judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union, his dedication to sharing his legal expertise with the community of Károli Gáspár University, and his committed cooperation with the university. He was praised by Rector László Trócsányi and János Bóka, Minister for European Union Affairs, while Zoltán J. Tóth, Dean of the Faculty of Law, delivered a laudatory speech.
During the ceremony, the university’s awards and honours were presented to students and staff members in recognition of their devoted work, their professional achievements that enhance the university’s reputation, their selfless service to the university community, and their initiatives that strengthen the collaboration within the university. The event was made even more memorable by the exceptional piano performance of Dániel Grosch, a remarkably talented pianist.
The recipients of the Károli Commemorative Medal were honoured for their contribution to the development of our institution and the strengthening of its domestic and international reputation. Among the awardees was Vilmos József Kolumbán, Bishop of the Transylvanian Reformed Church District and Professor at Protestant Theological Institute of Cluj-Napoca, who was recognised for his dedicated support of our university’s educational and research activities. The Károli Commemorative Medal was also awarded to Péter Kónya, Rector of the University of Prešov, in recognition of his committed efforts in fostering cooperation between Károli Gáspár University and the University of Prešov.
In 2025, the Budapest Reformed Theology celebrates its 170th anniversary. During the jubilee Dies Natalis celebration, Matthias Konradt, Professor of Heidelberg University received the title of ’Doctor Honoris Causa’, acknowledging his long-standing close relationship with the Faculty of Theology. At the event, the Supporter of Károli University Award was presented to Pastor Willem van den Brink, who regularly donates to support the university’s founding faculty.
