The new building of the ELTE Faculty of Economics has been handed over
The ELTE Faculty of Economics is more and more popular every year, and the number of students has already reached 6,600 in this academic year. Given the increasing interest, the faculty carried out large-scale infrastructural development from its own resources and renovated the building at No. 15 Rákóczi út. Building P, which has been restored with HUF 1.2 billion, offers 700 new places for students on three floors, in four lecture halls, and over more than 2,500 square metres.
In the nearly 200-year-old block designed by József Hild, a new staircase, an inner courtyard, and elevators have been established, which have also been equipped with new mechanical installations and an electrical system. The renovation left only classrooms, as well as associated spaces and rooms in the new building. A large lecture theatre with a capacity of 120 people has been established, which can also be converted into an exam hall. All rooms have been newly furnished and equipped with high-tech educational hardware. Due to the latter, it will be possible to make digital recordings of all the lessons in the future. The ceremonial inauguration of the building took place on 5 December.
Balázs Hankó, State Secretary for Innovation and Higher Education, called attention to the fact that it is the mission of our time to provide young people with competitive knowledge. For years, ELTE has been at the top of world university rankings measuring teaching excellence, talent management, and internationalisation. The reinforcement of higher education in Hungary also represents the strength of Hungarian economy and society.
Chancellor Gyula Scheuer said that ELTE has renovated and handed over several new buildings, including campuses, training schools, and dormitories in recent months. The university developments were implemented with a total value of HUF 12 billion. However, the new building of the Faculty of Economics is extraordinary in many ways, as it was constructed entirely from faculty resources, and as an innovative establishment.
Academician László Borhy, Rector of ELTE, emphasised that the university management had a long-standing desire to launch a faculty of economics. In 2021, the dream came true, and today it is a pleasure to see that the training is has gained increasing popularity. The current development may serve as a reminder that the idea of renewal – that the university rests on in addition to preserving traditions – is also manifested in buildings that meet the requirements of the modern age.
The rector symbolically handed over the building, which was received on behalf of the students by Dorottya Anna Nagy, president of the Students’ Union, Faculty of Economics. There are three factors that may contribute to the success of a student said the president of the Students’ Union. In addition to personal motivation and outstanding instructors, the environment – whether it is human or built environment – also has an impact on students’ progress. She added that now the new building has everything to make students at the Faculty of Economics even more excellent.
The ceremony was closed by György Andor, professor of the ELTE Department of Finance and Accounting, who gave a speech on the stages of the project, thanked the contractors, and guided the attendees around the renovated building.