Every now and then, the online series Radboud Archives takes you on a journey through the heritage collections of Radboud University. Radboud Heritage is committed to making these collections accessible for everyone. In addition to organizing activities and opening the reading room, they also share special archival items on social media!
Radboud Heritage manages the unique collections of the University Library, the Catholic Documentation Center, and the University Archives. They believe it is important that not only specialists and researchers have access to the beautiful Nijmegen collections, but everyone! So far, there have been 18 posts from Radboud Archives, featuring some remarkable items. This article discusses the Top 5.
This drawing from 1923 has left a significant impression on many. It depicts the university coat of arms of the newly established university, which at that time was also called the Keizer Karel University In 1923, many Catholics felt subordinated and many influential positions were filled by Protestants. Therefore, a university was founded in Nijmegen, which is now the current Radboud University. The drawing emphasizes the important role of the church, with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit and a coat of arms representing the Dutch ecclesiastical province. This classic university coat of arms has been modernized over time, but the current coat of arms still closely resembles the original design drawing. Can you find all the elements? Read more…
Enrolling for a study in 1939 was quite different from today. Back then, it was done via an registration form, as you can see in the photo. Godfried Bomans, the well-known Dutch writer, columnist, and media personality, registered for the Philosophy course that year. When registering, you were asked about your religious denomination and your father's profession and education. Nowadays, this is, of course, unthinkable. Read more…
While today's introduction weeks for most programs are filled with informal activities such as parties, games, and sports days, things used to be different. This is Arnold Wolf's introductory booklet from 1953. At that time, the introduction, which lasted a month, was filled with religious meetings, dance lessons, and lectures. Moreover, the first introduction in 1953 was organized by Carolus Magnus. Radboud University took this over in the 1960s, probably due to the increase in the number of new students. Read more…
General Gavin, commander of the 82nd division that liberated Nijmegen, supported the restoration of the city and its university after World War II, which had suffered great material damage. For the same purpose, the Dutch bishops established The American Committee to the Aid of the University of Nijmegen, which raised money in the US for reconstruction. Various means were used to recruit and thank donors, including this Christmas card. According to the diary of the then rector magnificus, 400 of these cards were sent to American addresses. Read more…
One of the harshest winters in the Netherlands was the winter of 1942. There were even temperatures of -27.4 degrees Celsius. Can you imagine? Due to the war, there was a coal shortage everywhere. This made it almost impossible to keep the university buildings warm, resulting in their closure due to the cold. Read more…
Curious about more Radboud Archives? A new edition appears every two weeks on Radboud University's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Are you interested in financially contributing to the preservation of this heritage? That is possible and it is greatly appreciated! The Radboud Fund supports this initiative, and you can make a donation through them.