
June 19, 2025
Nearly fifty alumni, current students, and faculty of the Public Policy and Management (PUMA) MSc program came together at the Gellért Campus of Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem to celebrate their shared professional journey and vibrant community. The gathering highlighted that PUMA is more than an academic program—it is a close-knit, supportive network with deep traditions.
Professor György Hajnal, head of the Department of Public Policy, opened the event by reflecting on the department’s roots. Founded in 1992 as the Department of Public Service, it stood out early in Hungary for its strong economic orientation within a multidisciplinary framework, setting it apart even by international standards. He also remembered founding figure Professor György Jenei, who could not attend.
Attila Bartha, program director of the PUMA MSc, outlined exciting updates for the future. From next academic year, the program will feature four new specializations—Climate Policy and Regional Development, Global Development, Health Policy, and Public Governance—ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant, globally competitive knowledge.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of PUMA’s first-generation alumni—senior public officials, lecturers, and researchers who continue to influence the field. Gábor Zupkó, Head of the EU Representation in Hungary, shared memories of developing public management concepts with Professor Jenei during his doctoral studies, at a time when such ideas were still new in Hungary.
Attendees exchanged stories of diverse careers spanning analysis, consultancy, ministry roles, NGOs, and research. These success stories, along with the strong alumni ties, underscored how the program provides far more than academic learning—it lays the groundwork for impactful careers and professional growth.
For current and graduating students, the evening was both motivating and reassuring, as alumni stories offered real-world perspectives on the many directions their studies could take them.
Source: Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem