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APPENDIX B
THE LOAN ASSOCIATION OF THE GERMAN STUDENTS
Introduction
“The Loan Association of the German Students which forms now a
necessary part of the economic measures of the German Student body was
established as a registered Corporation June 22, 1921 in Berlin.” Although
this association is of recent origin, its forerunners had been carrying on
similar work in local communities for some time past. 1 All these local
helps were entirely insufficient to meet the demands.
The need of economic or financial help for students became so pressing
in 1921 that the Göttinger Student Congress passed the following resolution:
“The need of students in consequence of the present rise in prices
has achieved such a scope that it is necessary to procure economic help.”
It was also resolved to ask the state, university authorities, and private and
municipal circles to help in the establishment of the Student loan assodations.
Through the establishment of these loan associations it was hoped
to aid those students who because of the war and changed circumstances
had not been able to continue their studies.
The First Central Plans
In May, 1921, soon after the founding of the Economic Help of
the German Student Body, Dr. Fudikar presented a plan for the establishment
of a loan and help association for students over the whole German
empire which was to cooperate with the Economic Help of the German
Student Body. The Cardinal proposals as worked out took into account
the experience of similar organizations in the United States and Denmark.
The Loan Association of the German Student Body was established in
June, 1922; the final registration of the Corporation took place on Feb.
16, 1923. The Organization of this association presents a “turning point
on the way to the practical realization of the idea of economic self-help
of the German students.” 2
The reasons why this Loan Association was established as a separate
entity rather than as a part of another Organization such as the Economic
Help of the German Student Body are as follows:
1. Need of uniform and similarly organized local units or branches
with control exercised by a central office.
2. Declaration by the states, universities, and countries of their willingness
to cooperate as members of this association.
1 Leipzig Loan and Help Association in 1919, Albertus Magnus Verein, and others.
_ 2 Business Report of the Loan Association of the German Student Body, June, 1921-Feb.,
1925.
