From Dreams to Degrees – MOME’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony
Words of Inspiration from Refik Anadol
The keynote address at the bachelor's ceremony was delivered by internationally acclaimed new media artist Refik Anadol. Born in Istanbul and based in Los Angeles, where he leads an interdisciplinary studio, Anadol is known for his groundbreaking work that blends data and machine intelligence with visual art. His immersive, experience-driven installations have transformed vast public and institutional spaces, creating breathtaking spectacles featured in venues such as MoMA, the Centre Pompidou, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
In his address, Anadol reflected on his own graduation and career journey recalling how repeated rejection eventually led him to where he is today. He spoke passionately about the responsibility that comes with emerging technologies, urging future artists and designers to explore artificial intelligence boldly – but also with integrity. “Never stop dreaming,” he said, “because every new idea starts as a dream.” He sent the graduates off with these parting words and a heartfelt congratulation.
Thoughts from Rector Csaba Kovács – The strength of unity creates opportunity
In his welcome speech, Rector Csaba Kovács described graduation as a rite of passage, marking students’ entry into the professional world. You need to start his new phase of life without second-guessing, even if the way ahead isn’t fully mapped out, and while guidance from others can be helpful, the real decisions will always be theirs to make.
But it’s not only individuals who go through a journey – organisations and even societies follow their own, each with their own stages. MOME is no exception – even after a period of growth, doubt can resurface, and at times it can lead to crisis – as it has now. Still, difficult moments can create space for reflection and open up new possibilities. The only way forward, he said, is by working together. That’s how MOME, now in its 145th year, can move into a new phase and start thriving again.
In thinking about these questions – and the broader problems the world is facing – he suggested returning to older sources of wisdom, like the writings of Laozi in the Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way and Virtue).
A new tradition, festive moments
As part of a wider rethink of how the university is structured, this year’s graduation also introduced a new tradition, initiated by the students themselves. They chose to shine the spotlight on a cause they cared deeply about. Demonstrating a clear sense of social awareness, they selected a charity to support – the Csillagház Foundation, a long-standing partner of the university that works with children living with multiple and severe physical disabilities, providing specialised education and care both in and beyond school.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, special education teacher Mrs. Soltész née Anita Márta Takár reflected on their ongoing collaboration with MOME students, which began in 2015. She recalled the empathy and community spirit students brought to the table and the fresh perspective they offered. Over the years, students have designed ergonomic tools and communication aids that helped connect the inner worlds of the children to their surroundings, all through thoughtful, innovative design. In her words, what defines the true MOME identity is not only talent, knowledge, and resilience, but the ability to shape society in meaningful ways.
Two graduates spoke on behalf of the class of 2025: Veronika Klára Maron from the Design Culture BA programme, and Dorottya Bató from the Fashion and Textile Design MA programme.
Rector’s Special Awards, the Award for Ethical Behaviour in Architecture, and the Vince Wartha Award
Seven MA graduates received the Rector’s Special Award for outstanding academic work and the depth and social relevance of their chosen themes: Janka Feiner (Animation MA) examined the stages of childhood development through the symbolism of fairy tales. Levente Németh (Photography MA) explored the boundaries of human relationships in his thesis. Róza Julianna Tomka (Design Theory MA) analysed the cultural layers of the polka-dot ball, an everyday object. Kitti Nikolett Bakonyi (Graphic Design MA) worked at the edge of contemporary art, exploring the intersection of typography and textile. Eszter Kain (Fashion and Textile Design MA) created a ritual knitwear collection using white to reflect the key stages of a woman’s life. Nóra Szilágyi (Design MA) explored the legacy of the Szarvas Iron and Metal Industry Cooperative in the context of Hungarian design culture. Dóra Veres (Architecture MA) focused on how fog, steam, and smoke can be used as aesthetic and conceptual elements in architectural space.
The Vince Wartha Award went to Rebeka Boda (Ceramic Design MA) for her thesis on the role of the senses in the complex experience of eating, seen through the lens of gastrophysics and explored through ceramic design.
Founded in memoriam Péter Reimholz, the Award for Ethical Behaviour in Architecture was given to Borbála Véghelyi and Lili Gárdos for their joint diploma project, House Occupation on the Szürkő. In her thesis, Véghelyi examined how reclaimed building materials could be reused, while Gárdos proposed a cooperative housing model as a way to revitalise Budapest’s rental sector.
The day concluded with the Alumni Garden Party on the MOME Campus – a celebration that, of course, also included this year’s graduates.
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