From a student-led encampment to an unprecedented election cycle, 2024 was a year of many events and news for both UCI students and its community as a whole.
The year began with a January cleanup and investigation into the Tustin WWII Hangar Fire, a blaze that began in November 2023 only five miles from UCI’s main campus. The fire’s cause, to this day, has yet to be found and is still under investigation.
February and March brought continued success for both of UCI’s basketball programs. The Anteaters’ men’s team brought home another Big West regular season title, going 24-10 overall, while UCI’s women’s team made a March Madness appearance, earning a spot in the NCAA Women’s tournament with a Big West Championship title.
April and May had some of the most unprecedented times on UCI’s campus as student-led protests and the UCI Gaza Solidarity Encampment were organized. The encampment remained at the Physical Sciences Quad for 17 days until it was cleared by law enforcement, resulting in over 50 arrests of UCI students and faculty members.
June and July saw UCI’s class of 2024 walk at the Bren Events Center. UCI awarded 11,034 degrees to the class of 2024.
On Aug. 2, New University reported that UC President Michael Drake plans to step down from his role at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year. As of writing, there has been no named successor for President Drake.
September brought the UCI class of 2028 to campus for the first time. At the same time, the financial aid crisis of fall 2024 caused class drops and significant struggles for thousands of students who rely on the program to pay for their education.
October had all of the hallmarks of an election year: candidate forums, campaigning efforts and endless boothing on Ring Road. On Nov. 5, Anteaters waited in hour-long lines to put in their ballot votes for the general election.
November saw a joint rally between American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 members and Anteater students.
December closed the year with some of the same themes of January. Fires blazed through Southern California again, this time caused by the infamous Santa Ana winds.
In 2024, New University experienced massive growth and change. We are proud to announce that our staff has expanded to approximately 100 journalists, editors, graphic designers, social media managers, photographers and business team members. In 2024, New University added two sections — Video and Features — and continues to provide honest and ethical journalism to the UCI community.
We thank all of our readers and staff for their ongoing support.
Editor’s note: Editorials should not be interpreted to reflect the opinion, thoughts or beliefs of any individual New University editor, staff member or affiliate
