History

The history of AV Curiensis is marked by a deep connection to Chur as a place of study, by social commitment, and the ability to constantly reinvent itself. What began over 150 years ago continues to live on today as a vibrant and open community.

1868–1873: The Eventful Founding Years

The roots of our fraternity date back to the late autumn of 1868. At that time, Curiensis was founded in Chur as a fraternity for theologians. The early years were anything but quiet: there was constant friction with the house management at the time, which even led to a temporary ban. But giving up was not an option. In 1873, the fraternity reconstituted itself and began to actively participate in the Swiss Student Society (SSS) – among other things, with decisive motions regarding the orientation of the overall association.

1910–1928: From "Rhenania" to "Curiensis"

After a phase of declining interest, the fraternity re-formed in 1910 under the name "Rhenania". In 1915, Rhenania proudly presented its first representative on the Central Committee (CC) of the SSS.

A historical milestone followed in 1922: The name was officially changed to "Curiensis". At the same time, the fraternity received its current, proud motto: "Tonitrua non terrent!" (Thunder does not terrify us!). Shortly thereafter, on June 13, 1922, the ceremonial inauguration of the flag took place. Finally, to ensure cohesion beyond graduation, the Alt-Curiensis (our alumni association) was founded in 1928.

The 20th Century: Lived Solidarity

Curiensis always understood the principle of virtue (Virtus) as a call to action. Over the decades, the fraternity initiated impressive relief campaigns that reached far beyond the Swiss borders:

• 1919/1920: Relief campaign for Viennese students in need.
• 1945/1946: Large-scale support for Austrian theology students after the Second World War.
• 1956 & 1958: Fundraising campaigns for Hungary and Protestants in need.

Furthermore, starting in 1930, Curiensis campaigned strongly for the canonization of Brother Klaus.

2012 to Present: A New Era

After quieter years, the active fraternity life (the Aktivitas) was successfully reactivated in 2012. With a forward-looking amendment to the statutes, AV Curiensis opened up: since then, not only theologians, but students of all higher education institutions in Chur (FHGR, PHGR, THC, SUPSI as well as PH Vorarlberg) are warmly welcome in our ranks.

The purely male and theological fraternity of 1868 has become a modern, mixed, and interdisciplinary community that honors its traditions while remaining firmly anchored in today's everyday university life.

Our Symbols

• The Motto: "Tonitrua non terrent!" (Thunder does not terrify us!). It stands for courage, perseverance, and the will to overcome challenges together.
• The Colors: "Burschen" (full members) proudly wear the red-white-green ribbon, "Fuxen" (pledges) the red-green ribbon. On our heads, we wear the traditional red cap (Tellermutz) with the fraternity's monogram (Zirkel).