One of the most known mascots in the AEGEE Network is probably AEGEE-Aachen’s Bear. Recently, this adorable mascot even got the chance to meet Joachim Gauck, who is the current President of Germany. The AEGEEan spoke to Katja Sontag and Dominik Stengele, who was wearing the polar bear outfit at the time of the meeting, to find out more about this meeting and the mascot!
The life of the AEGEE-Aachen bear started when the local had taken the responsibility for the organisation of the Autumn Agora 2008 and was looking for a mascot. For unknown reasons a brown bear suit was chosen, although according to some people it looked more like a squirrel. The mascot of AEGEE-Aachen was born, but changed color a few years after. “In the Spring of 2011 the bear wanted to visit the EBM in Riga with us”, Katja tells us, “but because there was a ‘White Party’ he had to change his appearance to be allowed to enter. Since that party, our bear is a polar bear and very happy with his shiny, white color.”
Soon enough, more members wanted to get a chance to walk around like a bear, so the local made their mascot’s family grow. “At the moment, our local is the proud owner of twelve polar bears and one original brown bear”, Katja tells us. “However, it is only on rare occasions that you can see all of them at the same time, because they refer to split up to explore different European cities at the same time.” While traveling, one of the polar bears, Dominik Stengele, had a very special experience, running into the President of Germany, Joachim Gauck.
President Gauck is the official patron of the exhibition to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of Charlemagne’s death. In honour of his immense significance not only for the people Aachen but also for the European history, the president held a speech in front of Aachen’s town hall to officially open the exhibitions, honouring the culture and courtly life of Charlemagne. After his speech, the President took some time to visit Aachen’s historic town hall and shook hands with the crowd of people waiting outside, including the AEGEE-Aachen Bear. “While shaking hands, he smiled and said: ‘You are wearing a nice costume’”, Dominik tells us. “The first lady stopped for some time, while I explained to her what AEGEE is.” After this exciting encounter, the bear hopefully won’t stop meeting people of significance though! “The bear will continue his journey to shake hands with the heads of all states where AEGEE is present. Moreover, it’s his long lasting dream to have a cup of tea with Queen Elizabeth II. And generally, AEGEE-Aachen Bear appreciates hugs from everyone all year!”
Right now, the Bear can add not only the President of Germany, but also the police. “One of my favorite stories about the bear costume happened to some friends of mine”, Katja says. “In the middle of the night they wanted to drive to the airport, already wearing their costumes, and the police stopped them. Imagine their look! On top of being some weird people in costumes they didn’t even have the right paperwork with them to prove that they had actually borrowed their car. Maybe it was only because of their nice outfits that the police let them go…” This isn’t the only fun story there is to tell about the bear though. “You wouldn’t believe how much fun it can be to run around in a costume like that. The stories are probably uncountable!”
Recently, the Bear even started a new story after falling in love with AEGEE-Warszawa’s mascot, a panda bear. “Our polar bear fell in love at a pre-event before EBM Lublin, and they decided to become partners”, Katja shares with us. “Their engagement will become official at the Autumn Agora Cagliari when AEGEE-Aachen and AEGEE-Warszawa are becoming Twin Antennae!” Now that the Bear doesn’t only have a little sister in Utrecht, but also a girlfriend, we are sure that more amazing adventures will follow!
Written by Svenja van der Tol, AEGEE-Nijmegen