3310 - A Story of Survival and Resilience (Robert Ratonyi)
Course Description
Instructor: Robert Ratonyi
In this compelling presentation, we will explore the profound impact of 20th-century historical events on millions of lives across Europe and the world. Through the personal story of Bob, who lived through World War II, the Holocaust, and Communist rule under Soviet dictatorship, we gain a unique and firsthand perspective on these pivotal moments.
In an era where TV pundits often debate socialism, communism, and dictatorships without direct experience, Bob’s story provides invaluable insight into these complex systems. Despite enduring immense hardships, Bob pursued higher education and achieved success as a corporate leader. His memoir, From Darkness into Light: My Journey Through Nazism, Fascism, and Communism to Freedom, captures his remarkable journey from oppression to personal and professional triumph.
Join us as we delve into Bob’s extraordinary life and gain a deeper understanding of the historical forces that shaped his world.
Bio: Robert Ratonyi, born in Budapest in 1938, survived the Holocaust despite his parents being deported to concentration camps. Raised under Soviet rule, he fled Hungary after the 1956 uprising and immigrated to Canada in 1957. In Montreal, he restarted his life, learned English, and pursued engineering studies, later transferring to MIT for his BSc. and MSc. degrees. He also earned an MSc. in management from Drexel University, leading to a successful business career with major corporations like GE and Xerox. In 1986, he founded his own merger & acquisition business in Atlanta and worked as an investment banker in Budapest post-Iron Curtain. Now semi-retired, he speaks about his Holocaust experiences to students and communities across Georgia and is an active supporter of the arts, education, and Jewish organizations in Atlanta, where he lives with his wife.