The Valediction Procession (Valétálás), held in accordance with the traditions of Selmec (Schemnitz), is a recurring annual event at the Institute of Geoinformatics of the Alba Regia Faculty of Óbuda University. Year after year, this cherished ceremony provides graduating students with an opportunity to bid farewell to their university, their professors, fellow students, and the city that has been their academic home throughout their studies.

On Saturday, 9 May 2026, the graduating students of the 2025/2026 academic year formally took leave of their Alma Mater, their instructors, their classmates, and the city of Székesfehérvár. This year’s event marked the 52nd occasion on which graduating students followed the long-established traditions of the Selmec student community. The procession began at the faculty building located at 1–3 Pirosalma Street, from where the students set out to celebrate and conclude an important chapter of their lives in a manner that has been preserved and passed down through generations.

The ceremony commenced at 7:30 p.m. at the Institute of Geoinformatics. During the opening event, Dr. habil. Andrea Pődör, Director of the Institute, addressed the graduating students and offered her farewell remarks, reflecting on their academic achievements and wishing them success in their future endeavors. Following the official farewell, the students embarked on a traditional torchlit “Salamander” procession, accompanied by their professors, family members, alumni, and invited guests. This symbolic march is one of the most distinctive elements of the Selmec traditions, representing the graduates’ final journey as members of the academic community before entering professional life.

The procession followed a route through several streets and landmarks of the city, passing along Pirosalma Street, Gyümölcs Street, Budai Road, Kégl György Street, Rákóczi Street, Coronation Square, and the Town Hall area, before arriving at Pope John Paul II Square. Along the way, participants and spectators alike paid tribute to the enduring customs and values associated with the Selmec heritage.

At the square, Mayor András Cser-Palkovics delivered a farewell address on behalf of the city of Székesfehérvár, expressing appreciation for the graduates and encouraging them to carry the knowledge, experiences, and values acquired during their university years into their future careers. Afterwards, Professor Dr. György Györök, Dean of the Alba Regia Faculty, shared his final thoughts and words of encouragement, offering guidance and inspiration as the students prepared to begin the next stage of their lives.

In keeping with the traditions of the Selmec student community, we conclude with the customary farewell:

“Valete!” — “Live happily and prosper!” or “May you fare well in life!”

This timeless greeting embodies the spirit of friendship, respect, and goodwill that has united generations of students and continues to be an integral part of the Selmec traditions today.