March 26 is a day of remembrance for those who knew, respected and were inspired by Dr. Lajos Csőke. Born in Eger in 1941, he became one of the defining figures of Hungarian computer science education. Through his personality, values and professional work, he left a lasting mark on generations of students, colleagues and the academic community of Eszterházy Károly University.
On the anniversary of his birth, we remember an outstanding scholar and teacher who devoted his life to sharing knowledge and building communities. His legacy is not only preserved in books, lectures and academic achievements, but also in the way he shaped the thinking and character of those around him.
Dr. Lajos Csőke began his academic career in 1968 at the Mathematics Department of Eszterházy Károly Teacher Training College in Eger. Later, he became head of the Department of Computer Science and went on to establish the Department of Information Technology, where his professional vision shaped the development of computer science education for many years.
His work played a crucial role in building the foundations of informatics education in Eger. Thanks to his dedication, generations of students received not only technical knowledge, but also a deeper understanding of logical thinking, responsibility and ethical conduct in the field of computer science.
His textbooks, including The Logical Foundations of Computer Programming, remain significant because they did more than simply communicate professional knowledge. They taught readers how to think, how to approach problems systematically, and how to understand programming as a discipline based on logic, structure and perseverance.
For Dr. Lajos Csőke, teaching was always more than instruction. He believed that knowledge only becomes truly valuable when it is used responsibly and ethically. His students often recalled conversations in which they received not only professional guidance, but also advice that stayed with them for life.
In late March 2026, close to the anniversary of his birth, a memorial plaque was unveiled in his honour on the wall of Eszterházy Károly University in Eger, at the place where he had taught, worked and created for decades. The ceremony paid tribute to a life’s work that reached far beyond classrooms and academic structures.
Former colleagues, students, friends and admirers gathered to remember his personality, professional dedication and the special attention with which he turned toward others. The memorial plaque is more than a name and a few dates engraved in stone. It is the lasting message of a meaningful and fulfilled life: knowledge becomes truly valuable when it is joined with humanity.
Dr. Lajos Csőke’s influence extended far beyond formal education. He was remembered as a mentor who listened, asked thoughtful questions and offered direction. His presence gave strength not only professionally, but also personally. He helped create an academic environment in which young people could develop, think independently and find confidence in their abilities.
The values he represented — respect for knowledge, the dignity of work, ethical thinking and human integrity — continue to live on in the students and colleagues who carry his spirit forward.
Dr. Lajos Csőke’s memory also lives on within his family. His son, László Attila Csőke, who lives in Dubai, continues to preserve and pass on his father’s values. In this way, the professor’s legacy remains present not only in the university, in his books and in the memories of his students, but also in the lives of his descendants.
On every anniversary of his birth, his life reminds us of the lasting impact one dedicated person can have. Dr. Lajos Csőke’s work, values and example continue to offer guidance — quietly, powerfully and with enduring meaning for future generations.