100 Years of the Springorum Commemorative Coin at RWTH Aachen University

On November 8, 2025, a group of people gathered in the RWTH lecture hall building C.A.R.L. to celebrate this special occasion. Around 100 guests, including the Springorum family, members of proRWTH, leading personalities from the University, numerous award winners as well as alumni and students were in attendance. The event was organized by the proRWTH association to mark the 100th anniversary of the Springorum Commemorative Coin – an award that has highlighted the special connection between the University, the Springorum family, and the proRWTH association since 1925.

Why this anniversary is so important: Today, the Springorum Commemorative Coin is one of the most coveted awards among RWTH graduates. In 2025 alone, 356 graduates received this honor because they had passed their master's examination, their teacher training examination, or their state examination “with distinction,” according to Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger. In his welcoming speech, Professor Bernd Markert, Chairman of the Association, recalled that the importance of the Springorum Commemorative Coin as a recognition of outstanding achievements goes far beyond mere numbers. The Springorum Commemorative Coin has been a symbol of friendship, support, and cooperation for a century.”

Originally, the FAHO – now called proRWTH – decided on November 8, 1925 to award a bronze commemorative coin as an expression of the special relationship between the University and Dr. Friedrich Springorum, one of the very first students of metallurgy at RWTH and one of the founders of the association. The Springorum Commemorative Coin has been awarded as a badge since 2006, and it shows Springorum's portrait and bears the inscription: “Friedrich Springorum, a friend and patron of RWTH Aachen University.”

An inspiring evening

The anniversary provided an opportunity for lively networking, to be grateful, and to be excited about new perspectives. The Carbonensemble of the Collegium Musicum, sponsored by proRWTH, gave a performance that was befitting to the association’s motto “Innovation meets cultural heritage”. A special highlight of the evening was RWTH alumnus Dr. Frank Springorum being presented with his honorary citizenship – an honor that expresses the great appreciation for his life's work and his lifelong connection to his alma mater Aquensis. Professor Wolfgang Bleck from the Steel Institute gave a laudatory speech, and he particularly emphasized Springorum's merits in bringing research and the steel industry together as well as his great commitment to the proRWTH association. “This continuous support shows his deep level of interest in a prosperous future for RWTH Aachen University and his willingness to invest in young talent,” he said in his tribute speech.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Frank Springorum summed up: “Being awarded honorary citizenship of this impressive University of excellence is not something that happens every day. It's one of those moments when you stop for a moment and look back.” He also recalled his grandfather, Kommerzienrat Dr. Friedrich Springorum, who, as an RWTH alumnus, friend, and committed supporter of the University, was awarded honorary citizenship back in 1920.

All those present rounded off the evening by singing the traditional Steigerlied – a moving moment of deep unity.

Friendship, talent development, and collaboration

The anniversary celebration impressively demonstrated just how strongly friendship, talent development, and collaboration are anchored at RWTH Aachen University. Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger and proRWTH Chairman Professor Bernd Markert are optimistic about spending further years together to support talented people, promote research, and foster innovative ideas, all in a sustainable manner. The Springorum Commemorative Coin remains a living symbol of tradition, responsibility, and a strong community.

– Author: Jeannette Schwerdt