The senate of the University of West Hungary granted Esri President Jack Dangermond the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, or honorary doctor, October 6, 2003, in Sz�kesfeh�rv�r, Hungary. The title of Doctor Honoris Causa is the highest honorary title the university bestows.

Dangermond was nominated for the degree by the university's College of Geoinformatics in acknowledgment of his "internationally recognized scientific work and social activity" as well as his "outstanding merits in building international scientific relations and cooperation."

In his congratulatory speech, the head of the College of Geoinformatics, B�la M�rkus, emphasized that regardless of Dangermond's success in the business community, he has always remained a teacher and a scholar.

The University of West Hungary's College of Geoinformatics also hosted the 2003 Geoinformation International Summer School.