“Pro patria atque amicitia” These words echo through the centuries. They are the motto of Corps Bavaria Wurzburg. Right here before you stands a testament to history friendship and tradition.
Corps Bavaria Wurzburg a student fraternity is more than just a building. It’s a living legacy. Founded March 1 1815 it’s part of the KSCV the second oldest association of German student fraternities. It unites students and alumni of Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg and the Technical University Wurzburg-Schweinfurt.
Its early years were tumultuous. Bavaria initially leaned towards a Burschenschaft style organization. It dissolved in 1818. Many members formed the Wurzburg Burschenschaft Germania. It quickly faced criticism from Wurzburg’s senior conventus. The suppression of Burschenschaft movements following the Carlsbad Decrees of 1819 led to Germania’s demise. Bavaria reconstituted itself December 16 1819. Some original members rejoined. By February 23 1820 it was a full member of the Wurzburg SC.
Bavarian authorities started tolerating student organizations in 1827. They required submitted statutes and member lists. While other Corps took advantage of this immediately Bavaria only applied in 1833. It received official approval February 9 1836.
Since November 7 1860 Bavaria has belonged to the KSCV. Its complex relations with other Corps led to it being considered part of the “Schwarzer Kreis” within the KSCV.
A pivotal moment came around 1896. The Corps refused to accept Bruno Stern. He was the son of Otto Stern a Jewish lawyer and a Bavaria member. This prompted the founding of separate organizations for Jewish students in Wurzburg. It echoed the establishment of the Salia Association in 1884.
The Nazi era tested the Corps’ resilience. It was dissolved February 15 1936. However it continued underground. Members secretly fought Mensuren in 1943-1944. They attempted to revive the KSCV in summer 1944. The KSCV itself was dissolved August 28 1935. In January 1950 Bavaria was among 22 Corps forming an interest group to reconstitute the KSCV.
The Corps has a rich history of prominent members. Among them were Bavarian state ministers and other important politicians. These include finance ministers Josef Aschenbrenner Georg von Berr and Benno von Pfeufer. Eduard von Bomhard served as justice minister. Friedrich von Brettreich was minister of the interior. Eugen von Zimmerer achieved international renown. He served as envoy minister commissioner for Togo and governor of Kamerun.
Today Corps Bavaria Wurzburg continues its traditions. Its members maintain a commitment to scholarship and camaraderie. The building you see is a quiet observer of Wurzburg’s history. It’s a place where friendships forged generations ago still resonate. The Rector Max Meyer Prize since 2013 honors outstanding dissertations. It’s named after an alumnus.
Remember the motto “Pro patria atque amicitia” For fatherland and friendship. This isn’t just a motto for Corps Bavaria. It’s a way of life. It’s a legacy that continues today.