HF Alumni Welcomes Kristóf Szabadhegyi at Winter Gathering
The Hungary Foundation Alumni Board recently held its annual Winter Alumni Gathering. The event offered attendees a memorable evening of inspiration, great discussions and professional networking. The event highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the alumni community through continued engagement.
The evening began with an enlightening discussion with Kristóf Szabadhegyi, American-Hungarian businessman and the President of the Hungarian Association of the Order of Malta, led by HF alumnus Dr. Bálint Kovács (Liberty Bridge, 2022/23). Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, Mr. Szabadhegyi shared how his Hungarian identity was nurtured throughout his upbringing. It came as no surprise that he felt at home when he eventually returned to Hungary in 1992, building Deloitte’s regional presence together with his brother. Holding a degree in computer engineering, he offered insights into technological development in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s, yet he was equally comfortable discussing precision farming, having headed Keve, an agricultural business, since 2004. Encouraging his audience, he stated that ambition and discipline lead to success in Hungary just as much as anywhere else. As advice to his eager listeners, he shared a motto passed down from his father: “Use your head” – that is, assess the factors rationally and make an informed, logical decision.
After the discussion, participants stayed for the evening freely chatting with their invitee and each other. Alumni came from a wide range of Hungary Foundation programs, including the Andrássy and Széll Kálmán Fellowships, the Liberty Bridge Program, and the Budapest Fellowship Program. It provided a platform for alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and explore new opportunities for professional development through continued support from HF.
We thank Kristof Szabadhegyi for honoring our gathering with his presence and sharing with us his story and experience so keenly, inspiring our alumni.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a great evening, and we are looking forward to meeting you again!
