A commemorative plaque erected as a token of gratitude from Hungarian students

The commemorative plaque located in the main building of the University of St. Gallen (Universität St. Gallen – HSG) honors the university students who fled to Switzerland following the suppression of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, as well as the Swiss community that welcomed them. After more than 200,000 Hungarians were forced to flee their homeland to escape Soviet reprisals, Switzerland, demonstrating unprecedented solidarity, took in refugees en masse, including numerous students and intellectuals. The institution in St. Gallen played a key role in this humanitarian effort: the university’s students and administration actively participated in relief efforts and directly contributed to enabling young Hungarians who had lost their homes to continue or restart their university studies in Switzerland. This commemorative plaque not only serves as a reminder of the historical tragedy and the refugees’ integration, but has also become a symbol of Swiss-Hungarian cooperation and solidarity over the decades. The Hungarian Student Association of St. Gallen, the Hungarian Embassy in Bern, and the National Remembrance Committee regularly organize official commemorations and wreath-laying ceremonies at the site. These events are often accompanied by historical lectures and panel discussions, at which the university’s current leadership is also represented, thereby fostering the deep historical and academic ties between the two nations.

"Der Hochschule in Dankbarkeit die ungarischen Flüchtlings-Studenten"

(Hungarian refugee students express their gratitude to the university)