The “Glück zu” student fraternity offers students the opportunity to think outside the box and become part of a strong community during their time at the DMSB.
It is an integral part of the Deutsche Müllerschule: the “Glück zu” student fraternity. Just a few days after the start of the semester, freshers get to know the student fraternity of active DMSB students. At least the name should already be familiar, as it is a traditional miller’s greeting in Germany: “Glück zu!” is how journeymen in search of work greeted the next miller, carrying luck from one mill to the next.
Just as the name of the fraternity is linked to the milling tradition, “Glück zu” and the DMSB belong together: The fraternity was founded back in 1885, four years after the establishment of the then commercial school for millers. “At the time, several clubs were founded at the DMSB. People wanted to do things together, and not just during their studies, but also afterwards,” says Michael Kammann, explaining the origins. He himself studied at the DMSB and is President of the alumni association of the same name, “Glück zu”, a worldwide network of 750 former DMSB students.
The alumni association supports current students, the so-called Aktivitas. For example, graduates regularly give lectures on various topics. “It has always been one of the basic ideas of the ‘Glück zu’ fraternity to think outside the box,” Kammann explains. There are also workshops, field trips and traditional events. There is also plenty of fun, including barbecues and parties. The center of all activities is the fraternity house in Maschstrasse, which also offers eleven rooms for rent.
In principle, anyone studying at the DMSB can join the fraternity. However, Michael Kammann clarifies: “We don’t have any formal admission criteria, but not everyone fits in with us and we don’t fit in with everyone.” The basic requirement is to share the “Glück zu” values and principles and to want to spend time with other members. A corresponding dress code also applies for some so-called highly official events.
That is why there is a trial period: during the three months, the “cubs” get to know the fraternity better. They can then decide whether they want to stay. “The same applies to the fraternity, because we want a lifelong relationship,” Michael Kammann explains. At the end of the “cubs” period, the new members receive the green-white-red sash. This makes them fully fledged frat guys and therefore officially “Glück zu” members. Men are in the majority, but women also belong to the fraternity – everyone who wants to get involved is welcome.
“After your active time, you then join the alumni association and give back to the next generation some of what you received yourself,” says Michael Kammann in summary. This way, alumni keep hold of a piece of their student days and maintain a network with talented young people – a win-win situation for everyone.
