WU Vienna University of Economics and Business has conferred the title of Honorary Senator on Boris Marte, long-time CEO and now Senior Adviser to the Board of the ERSTE Foundation. With this distinction, the university recognizes Marte’s long-standing commitment to projects in which the ERSTE Foundation and WU have worked together to strengthen civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.

WU established the title of Honorary Senator in 1957. Aside from purely academic honors, it is one of the highest distinctions the university bestows, reserved for individuals who have provided exceptional support to WU over many years.

Numerous initiatives in support of the NGO sector

As CEO of the ERSTE Foundation, Boris Marte has launched numerous initiatives together with WU over the past decades to build stronger ties between the university and civil society across Central and Eastern Europe. Since 2013, he has been involved in the NGO Academy, a joint project of the ERSTE Foundation and WU’s Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation. The initiative was set up to strengthen civil society organizations and social enterprises in 14 countries across Central and Southeastern Europe through capacity-building programs. The contributions of Boris Marte and the ERSTE Foundation have also been instrumental in providing teaching and learning opportunities for NGOs and social entrepreneurs.

Recognizing an extraordinary, long-standing commitment

In his welcome address, WU Rector Rupert Sausgruber thanked Boris Marte and the ERSTE Foundation for their long-standing involvement. He said, “Especially in times of tight budgets, dependable and consistent support over many years is not something a university can take for granted. Boris Marte has made crucial contributions that have helped strengthen our collaboration with civil society and advance WU’s international networks. With the title of Honorary Senator, we want to honor Boris Marte’s exceptional commitment, which has powered research, teaching, and societal impact alike.” The laudatory speech was given by WU Professor Sigrid Stagl and Lukáš Kvokačka, director of the Slovak NGO Barlička, which works to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and seniors in the city of Prešov. Rector Sausgruber and WU Professor Michael Meyer, head of the Institute for Nonprofit Management and Governance, then proceeded to officially confer the title of Honorary Senator on Boris Marte.

From an idea to a European Community

In his acceptance speech, Boris Marte expressed his gratitude for the distinction awarded to him and reflected on the development of the NGO Academy. He said, “I’m very proud to receive this recognition from WU. But above all, I’m delighted that the NGO Academy has grown from a modest idea into a large, European community. So many people across Europe who are passionate about a good cause have been able to champion their causes even more effectively through the NGO Academy – and they have found like-minded people in the process. Together, they’re making this Europe a better Europe, and I’m very happy that, through the ERSTE Foundation, I’ve been able to contribute to this work.”

By naming Boris Marte Honorary Senator, WU honors not only his personal commitment but also the lasting impact he has made through his support. His initiatives have provided important impetus for collaboration with civil society and the advancement of teaching and continuing education programs, raising WU’s international profile. In doing so, he has made a lasting contribution to WU’s development, far beyond research and teaching alone.

Press contact:
Cornelia Moll
Press Relations Officer
Tel: + 43-1-31336-4977
Email: cornelia.moll@wu.ac.at