Walleshausen Gyula: A magyaróvári agrárfelsőoktatás 175 éve (1818-1913) (Mosonmagyaróvár, 1993)

10. A Pannon Agrártudományi Egyetem, Mezőgazdaságtudományi Kar, Mosonmagyaróvár - napjainkban

IX. (1970-1989)

In 1970 the government wanted to revive an earlier centralization concept and centralized the higher agricultural institutions into a large university. The management center became Keszthely. One of the two agricultural sectors, animal husbandry, remained in Mosonmagyaróvár.

At the beginning of the seventies, the first results of this policy could have been observed after the so called new system of economic motivators had been introduced by the end of the sixties. Villigers’ life became better. But a number of party members still resisted on dogmas that have never been proved and have always been against innovation. Party members struggling for power often released contradictory resolutions under the name of “permanent reforms”. This situation hit higher education especially hard. A lot of experiments were introduced, like the “programme of integrated education” an until recently unacknowledged pedagological attempt, or later a so called “block-training programme”. This one was a good example of academic freedom because it offered a chance, if only a very small one, for the institutions to choose subjects freely.

By the end of the seventies, the construction of two new university buildings reduced overcrowding a bit. It was difficult to replace equipment and instruments however, because imports were reduced parallel to the country’s running into debt. Inflation resulted in reducing subsidies.

Since 1979 information science has been taught at the Institution. In 1986 a modem information science and computer training center was established. Post-graduate training courses of 1—3 weeks were started for post-graduate engineers. At the beginning of the seventies a wide range of scientific research work was carried out at the Institution partly in contractual relationship with other institutions. Income derived from contractual research work could partly be used for Institution’s purposes and partly to compensate (relatively) for the reduction in subsidies.

X. (1989—)

Many of the sudents now got the chance to travel abroad which benefitted their language training. In the mid eighties, despite the worsening economic situation especially after the defeat ot the “governing party”, the Institution began to prosper. New laboratories were established the most important among them are the laboratories of the Biotechnical Station. The Újhelyi “Milkhouse” had been renovated, and ergonomics laboratory and an exhibition room was established as well. The castellany building in the yard of the castle was completely renovated. And the university got back the building in Deák square that the former governing party had used for several years. The construction of a new wing at the students’ hostel, called Gazdász Szálló, was an important investment. 200 persons can be accomodated in its comfortable and modem furnished rooms.

Finally the time came when the Institution could commemorate the victims of the revolution of 1956 and the war-deads of the Wold War II. A memorial monument was built in the yard of the castle.

Party objections could not prevent international contacts any more. Since then students have had the possibility to spend their 2—6 months farm practice on farms in more developed Western countries. The Institution has also made several agreements of the exchange of education and research work with other universities and institutions.

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