A special anniversary brought numerous former students back to the Münchberg campus of Hof University of Applied Sciences in early May: the Ferra Floris Women’s Textile and Technical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary. A total of 24 former students, along with numerous guests, took the opportunity to revisit their former place of study and gain insight into today’s textile education and research.
The guests were accompanied by Prof. Oliver Lottes and Stephan Fichtner from the Institute of Materials Science (ifm). During a presentation, Prof. Lottes outlined the development of the Münchberg campus over the past decades. It became clear how the former, strongly practice-oriented “weaving school” has evolved into a modern university campus offering internationally oriented and predominantly English-language degree programs.
“The former regionally focused textile training program has become an international university campus where students from all over the world study and conduct research together.”
Prof. Oliver Lottes
Modern research inspires the alumni
In addition to internationalization, the visit focused primarily on today’s research and educational opportunities. The former students were particularly impressed by the modern laboratories and technical facilities on campus. The Nonwoven Development Center, in particular, sparked great interest, offering insight into current research projects and innovative processes.
For Prof. Lottes, the combination of tradition and innovation is a key factor in the location’s success: “Practical relevance has long been one of Münchberg’s strengths—today, we combine this tradition with modern research and an international orientation.”
Many of the visitors took the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions about current developments in research and teaching and to experience the changes on campus firsthand.
Memories of student days
In addition to the academic insights, however, the reunion was the main focus. Despite numerous changes, many places and the special atmosphere of the campus have remained familiar, the guests reported. Numerous conversations revolved around shared experiences during their studies and the university’s development since their own student days.
“Ferra Floris” remains connected
The women’s sorority Ferra Floris was founded in 1976 and is one of the first post-war women’s student sororities. Due to changing circumstances—including increasing student mobility, international study programs, and declining membership numbers—the sorority ceased its active campus activities in 2024.
However, the traditional association of active members, consisting of former students, remains active. Regular meetings will continue to take place in the future—mostly in the hometowns of the women, who are now scattered across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Successful Anniversary Evening
The visit concluded with a shared meal in the cafeteria, accompanied by music from Thomas Goller, followed by a convivial anniversary evening at the “Hopfenhäusla” in Münchberg. For the guests, some of whom had traveled a long way, the reunion was a complete success—and at the same time a wonderful sign of the close bond many graduates share with their university and the Münchberg campus.
