Reflecting on an incredible PUMA Alumni Community Event

On November 16, as part of this Fall’s Alumni Homecoming Season, the Department of Public Policy and the Corvinus Alumni & Careers Office had the privilege of bringing together nearly 50 alumni from our Public Policy and Management (PUMA) program, representing 10 different countries and a diverse range of professional fields. Some came back from as far as Munich and Kosovo, and joined us online from further afield such as Congo, to reconnect with friends and faculty at their beloved alma mater. 

During the event, each participant had the opportunity to share the story of their journey after student life at Corvinus through a fun interactive activity that allowed everyone to get to know each other regardless of their year of graduation. A special highlight of the event was the presence of one of the program’s founding fathers, Professor György Jenei. His shared memories took the participants back to the 1990s, when he and his colleagues were pioneers in establishing scientific and professional links with international partner organizations. 

Current department head, György Hajnal, shared the remarkable journey that led to the development of an internationally unique program profile. The multidisciplinary nature of the PUMA program is a distinctive feature at Corvinus – the strong economics base in combination with the sociological component makes this program unique, and the strong sense of community among the PUMA family could certainly be felt during the evening’s event. 

The event was both a reunion and a celebration of the department’s rich history, the diverse achievements of our alumni, and the unique academic path they’ve paved together.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the event, and here’s to fostering more connections, sharing experiences, and preserving our heritage and excellence.