Debrecen4U August 21, 2025

Debrecen Citizens Honored on August 20

In 2025, several individuals from Debrecen or with ties to the city were recognized with state honors on the occasion of Hungary’s national holiday, August 20.

In recognition of exemplary and dedicated work, the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (civil division) was awarded to:

• Prof. Dr. Lajos Hajdu, mathematician, Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Debrecen, and former director of its Institute of Mathematics
• Prof. Dr. Ildikó Katalin Bácskay Dr. Kovácsné, pharmacist, dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Debrecen, director of the Institute of Health Industry, and head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
• Dr. Sándor Kökényesi, Doctor of Physical Sciences and emeritus advisor at the University of Debrecen
• Prof. Dr. Noémi Nagy, chemist, Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Debrecen, and head of the Imre Lajos Isotope Laboratory

For outstanding professional work, the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (civil division) was awarded to:

• Dr. Erzsébet Gortka-Rákó, certified social policy expert, Dean and Head of Department at the Faculty of Child Education and Special Education at the University of Debrecen
• Dr. Attila Kiss, research chemist, deputy dean of the Albert Kázmér Faculty in Mosonmagyaróvár at Széchenyi István University, and Director of the Centre for Agricultural and Food Industry Knowledge Utilisation of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Management at the University of Debrecen

Also receiving the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (civil division):

• Miklós Szabó, founding owner of the Tranzit Group, is honored for his innovative solutions, commitment to continuous development, highly successful professional career, and multifaceted social responsibility

 The Hungarian Gold Cross of Merit (civil division) was awarded to:

• Gyula Győri, chairman of the board and scientific director of Pharmaflight Zrt., head of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Debrecen, Honorary associate professor, recognized for his role in the development of Hungarian aviation and international pilot training

Also receiving the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (civil division):

•  Dr. Mária Kovács Czipáné, architect, secretary of the Hajdú-Bihar County Chamber of Engineers, former head of the Building Supervision Department of the Hajdú-Bihar County Administrative Office, honored for her outstanding career in construction administration and her exemplary dedication to ensuring the legality and raising the professional standards of engineering work
• András Miklós Kováts, Ybl Miklós Award-winning architect, managing director and lead designer of KATERV Tervező és Szervező Kft., honorary associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Debrecen, recognized for his design legacy shaping the built environment of Eastern Hungary, including many significant public buildings, and for his valuable contributions in teaching, leadership, and professional public service

Also honored with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary:

• András Fodor, retired episcopal vicar of the Diocese of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza, papal chaplain, and former head of the North Great Plain Region of the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, is recognized for decades of selfless charitable work helping the sick, the vulnerable, and those in need

The Csokonai Vitéz Mihály Award was presented to:

• The Lautitia Choir Family, recognized for their long-standing contributions to public cultural institutions and community venues

Source: debrecen.hu | Photo credit: Facebook (Debrecen városa)