When Margrave Friedrich of Brandenburg-Bayreuth founded the “Friedrichs-Universität” in his principality on November 4, 1743, he probably never dreamed that this university, now known as Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, would be one of the largest universities in Germany and renowned for its cutting-edge research. All the more reason why the anniversary of FAU is still a reason to celebrate today: Each year on November 4, the University officially celebrates its “academic anniversary”, the Dies academicus.
The Dies academicus at FAU is attended by members, friends and supporters of the University as well as important public figures and gives the President the opportunity to look back over the most important events and developments of the past year and set out the University’s plans for the coming year in the “President’s report”. During the ceremony, various honors and prestigious awards of outstanding importance for the University are presented, for example the title of Honorary Senator, FAU Ambassador or the prize for the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity.
As well as the official ceremony, the Dies academicus at FAU is also meant to provide members, friends and supporters of the University the opportunity to chat and spend time together. It is a birthday party, after all. After the official ceremony, food and drink is served and the party begins.
History and a look back at the past
Erlangen University was founded in the spirit of enlightened absolutism. German universities in the 18th century were expected to meet the requirements of the princely state by ensuring the education of administrative staff and boosting the ruler’s reputation.
This was also the motivation behind Margrave Friedrich of Brandenburg-Bayreuth’s decision to establish the Friedrichs-Universität in his realm in 1743, supported by Margravine Wilhelmine and the first Chancellor Daniel de Superville.
It was the third university in Franconia, after the universities in Altdorf and Würzburg, and was located in the former Knights’ Academy in the main street of the margrave’s secondary residential city of Erlangen. It was officially opened on November 4, 1743, celebrated today as the “Dies academicus”.