Capturing the Moments: UCF’s Top 27 Photos of 2024

Explore some of the most memorable images of the year.(Jan. 5 | Image by Antoine Hart)Ganesh Marasini, a doctoral student in electrical engineering, is conducting experiments on actual grid control operations in UCF’s Microgrid Control Lab — a space where up-and-coming engineers can work together, learn, and envision the future of the energy grid.(Jan. 10 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)Many supporters cheered on UCF men’s basketball team after their surprising victory over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.(Jan. 12 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)UCF initiated the construction of the innovative Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, set to open in 2025-26. This new 90,000 square-foot facility, which will house the College of Nursing, will help UCF produce more skilled and compassionate nurses for the future.(Jan. 31 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)At UCF’s cutting-edge Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling Center in the College of Nursing, a student practices with a simulated hand. Equipped with advanced medical tools and technology, this center prepares nursing students for real-world clinical experiences.(March 15 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)Following a strong start to the outdoor season, the UCF women’s track and field team has achieved some of the fastest times in the world this year.(April 6 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)During the 10th anniversary of UCF Celebrates the Arts, artists competed in a live art event called Creative Clash, where they raced to create large artworks using markers in front of a live audience at Seneff Arts Plaza.(May 4 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)A graduate crosses the stage at a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony held at Addition Financial Arena.(May 30 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)Three students study in their dorm room at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.(Aug. 2 | Image by Jordan Smith)A proud Summer 2024 graduate holds his diploma while walking across the stage at commencement.(Aug. 30 | Image by Nick Leyva ’15)Knightro displays a UCF specialty license plate while shooting a new Knight Your Ride campaign video at Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy’s Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.(Sept. 6 | Image by Antoine Hart)UCF students are engaged in groundbreaking research at Florida Space Institute labs, contributing to the future of space exploration and innovation.(Sept. 7 | Image by Mark Godin)Two fighter jets fly over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State University Bearkats, 45-14.(Sept. 7 | Image by Mark Godin)Running back RJ Harvey scores a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.(Sept. 17 | Image by Nick Leyva ’15)A student demonstrates the navigation capabilities of TapeMeasure, UCF’s semiautonomous robot dog, by guiding it up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library for innovative research purposes.(Sept. 17 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)A member of UCF Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for the university’s new commercial, showcasing UCF as a place for those who aspire to shape the future.(Sept. 19 | Image by Nick Leyva ’15)Health sciences student Annika Emmett, who is also an intern at Limbitless Solutions and a recipient of a bionic arm, tries on a bionic arm to demonstrate its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.(Sept. 24 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)This year marks the fifth anniversary of UCF Downtown, a partnership with Valencia College that has welcomed over 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.(Sept. 25 | Image by Nick Leyva ’15)Two space scientists operate a rover on the world’s largest simulated lunar surface at UCF’s Exolith Lab, which was developed in collaboration with the Florida Space Institute to support space exploration research.(Sept. 28 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)Before the UCF Knights faced the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young UCF fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, a lively pregame tradition that brings fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams together to welcome the football team before kickoff.(Oct. 12 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)UCF’s cheer team energized the crowd as the Knights competed against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.(Oct. 24 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by UCF Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.(Oct. 25 | Image by Paige Wilson ’17)The cheer team thrilled the audience with a high-energy stunt routine before students rushed into the Reflecting Pond to grab homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.(Oct. 25 | Image by Paige Wilson ’17)Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, a major UCF homecoming tradition.(Oct. 25 | Image by Kadeem Stewart ’17)During Spirit Splash, Knightro even snagged a cowboy-themed rubber duck, in line with this year’s theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.(Nov. 1 | Image by Mark Godin)Knightro posed with a SpaceU cape featuring a constellation theme in front of a large moon backdrop at UCF’s 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, celebrating the university’s connections to space exploration and innovation.(Nov. 8 | Image by Nick Leyva ’15)UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright stands alongside rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.