Inaugural HYPE Class Graduated at 33rd Annual Mikulás Dinner; Dr Elizabeth Spalding Delivers Keynote Address; Coalition Secretary, George J. Pogan Receives Hungarian Government Award
Washington, DC – On December 7, 2024, the Hungarian American Coalition (Coalition) held its Annual General and Board Meetings at the Kossuth House in Washington, DC.
The previous afternoon, Coalition members and guests attended a roundtable discussion on U.S.-Hungary relations at the Kossuth House. Panelists included Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi, former Hungarian Ambassador to the US; Matthew G. Boyse, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute; and J.C. Lintzenich, National Security Advisor to United States Senator Thom Tillis. The discussion, entitled “Challenges & Opportunities for U.S.-Hungarian Relations in a Second Trump Administration,” was moderated by Max Teleki, President Emeritus of the Hungarian American Coalition.
Luca Mórocz, J.C. Lintzenich, Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi, Matthew Boyse, Max Teleki
On the evening of December 6, Coalition members and guests attended the 33rd annual Mikulás Dinner hosted at the Embassy of Hungary.
The evening began with a welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, Coalition Chairman Endre Szentkirályi, who introduced Deputy Chief of Mission Pál Schmitt.
In his remarks, Mr. Schmitt highlighted the enduring partnership between Hungary and the United States and underscored Hungary’s commitment to strong bilateral relations. Reflecting on the upcoming second Trump administration, he spoke about the alignment of Hungary’s strategic goals with those of the U.S., particularly in the areas of security, economic collaboration, and cultural diplomacy.
This year’s Mikulás Dinner also presented the first cohort of graduates from the Hungarian Young Professional Engagement (HYPE) Network. This new initiative by the Coalition provides a six-month leadership program and mentorship for young Hungarian professionals living in the United States. HYPE was formed partly to help develop the next generation of Hungarian American community leaders—an urgent priority for many of the Coalition’s member organizations.
Next, guests were treated to a performance by folk dancers Kata Szivós, Bence Zsolt Hajdu, and Kíra Kleopátra Kertész. All are currently in Washington as participants of the Körösi Csoma Sándor Program.
Performance by folk dancers Kata Szivós and Kíra Kleopátra Kertész
Coalition President Andrea Lauer Rice began her remarks by lauding the inaugural class of the HYPE Program and emphasized the importance of mentorship and youth outreach. “To our 21 rock-star HYPERS, this is only the beginning!”
Reflecting on the Coalition’s ongoing impact, Mrs. Lauer Rice highlighted three primary focus areas: education and culture, human rights advocacy, and community affairs. She underscored the organization’s commitment to bipartisanship even amidst today’s polarized political climate. “Our best strategy is to focus on common ground,” she affirmed, referencing the roundtable discussion held earlier that day.
Mrs. Lauer Rice described the Coalition’s role in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to NATO, as well as plans for an Endowment Fund to ensure the Coalition’s long-term sustainability. The Coalition President also looked ahead to a “super gala” in 2026: a year of key anniversaries for Hungarian Americans, including the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the United States’ 250th birthday, and the Coalition’s 35th anniversary. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together from coast to coast to celebrate the very best of both worlds,” she said.
HYPE Network Graduation Ceremony
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Elizabeth Spalding, Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC). Dr. Spalding emphasized the critical need to educate future generations and preserve historical memory, including an understanding of the atrocities committed by totalitarian regimes. Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust, she reminded the audience of the importance of vigilance in combating resurgent hatred and oppression. Dr. Spalding echoed the VOC’s mission with the resounding message of “Peace through Strength” – that is, principled leadership to uphold freedom and democracy worldwide.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Elizabeth Spalding, Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC)
As the culminating highlight of the Mikulás Dinner, Coalition Secretary George J. Pogan received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary, presented by Pál Schmitt. The Order of Merit of Hungary, one of the highest honors, recognizes Mr. Pogan’s dedication to strengthening Hungarian-American bilateral relations through his decades-long engagement with the Coalition. A member of the Chagrin Valley (Ohio) Rotary Club, Mr. Pogan – a third-generation Hungarian-American – was also celebrated for his pivotal role in organizing the “Hungarian Night” each year at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival. The laudation was read by Hungarian Diaspora Liaison Zsuzsanna Fekete, accompanied by a video tribute.
George J. Pogan, Coalition Secretary, with Pál Schmitt, Coalition President Andrea Lauer Rice, and Chair Emerita Edith K. Lauer
The dinner concluded with Hungarian Christmas caroling led by Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Program participants from Cleveland, OH, New York, NY, and Washington DC; and a toast from Mrs. Susan Hutchison, who praised the HYPE Network as an exciting initiative fostering the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Ágnes Virga, Csilla Grauzer, Andrea Lauer Rice, Piros Pazaurek, Emese Varga, and Kinga Porst Hydras
Attendees of the Mikulás Dinner included: Ambassador David Kostelancik, former Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’affaires at the US Embassy in Hungary; Ambassador April H. Foley, former Ambassador of the United States to Hungary and Chairman of the Board of the Hungary Foundation; Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi, former Ambassador of Hungary to the US; Pál Schmitt, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Hungary; Dr Elizabeth Spalding, Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC); Matthew Boyse, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Deputy Assistant Secretary; Dr. Balázs Mártonffy, Consul General Chicago (IL); J.C. Lintzenich, National Security Advisor to Senator Thom Tillis; Mrs. Susan Hutchison, former Executive Director of the Charles and Lisa Simonyi Fund for the Arts and Sciences and Lt. Col. Ret. Andy Hutchison; Dániel Palotai, Executive Director IMF in Washington DC and former Chief Economist of the National Bank of Hungary; Csenge Palotai, Director of the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Center (New York); Janet Karika, former Chief of Staff at NASA.
Coalition member organizations were represented by: Gabriella Sinka, President of the Minnesota Hungarians; Emese Latkóczy, Executive Director of the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation (HHRF); Gabriella Vajtay, Director of HHRF’s Reconnect Hungary Birthright Program; Gabor Mózsi, President of the Hungarian Club of Chicago; Sándor Végh, Chair of the Kossuth Foundation; Kinga Porst Hydras, Hungarian Academy/DC
Magyar Iskola, Washington, DC.; Éva Kovács, St. Stephen of Hungary Catholic Community of the Washington DC area; Enikő Molnár Basa, founder of the American Hungarian Educators Association (AHEA); Zsolt Molnár, Director of Bocskai Radio in Cleveland; Eva Beluska, President of Metroplex Magyar Cultural Circle, Dallas, TX. Our guests also included Honorary Consuls: György István Simon (UT); John E. Parkerson (GA); and Piros Pazaurek (FL).
Coalition leadership included President Andrea Lauer Rice; Chair Emerita Edith K. Lauer; President Emeritus Maximilian N. Teleki; Vice Presidents Csilla Grauzer and Dr. Ágnes Virga; Treasurer Zsolt Szekeres; and Secretary George Pogan.
The Hungarian American Coalition held its Annual General Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting on Saturday, December 7, at the Kossuth House. Officers of the Coalition presented their reports on 2024 projects and accomplishments and outlined plans for next year. Andrea Lauer Rice was re-elected as President of the Coalition, as were Treasurer Zsolt Szekeres and Secretary George Pogan. Piros Pazaurek was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in the Coalition’s leadership.
Vice Presidents Csilla Grauzer and Dr. Ágnes Virga were re-elected for another two-year terms, while Gábor Mózsi was welcomed as a new member of the Executive Committee, further strengthening the Coalition’s leadership team.
The Board meeting concluded with Andrea Lauer Rice expressing her gratitude to all Coalition leaders, members, and supporters for their tireless work.