Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable photos of the year.
Forward Anzhané Hutton attempts a jump shot to score in the Addition Financial Arena. UCF defeated Wichita State 59-56.
Kareem Ahmed, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is the principal investigator of a new Naval Research Laboratory-funded project to create a morphing hypersonic engine for ultra-fast travel.
The UCF/Universal Creative Lab, which launched Spring 2023, brings immersive design learning experiences to students to cultivate the next generation of themed entertainment innovators. The class opened to graduate students in UCF’s themed experience program, which is directed by Professor Peter Weishar.
Pushing the frontier of space research, Associate Professor of Physics Adrienne Dove is co-leading NASA’s $35 million science mission to the moon’s Gruithuisen Domes, which is expected to launch in 2026.
A participant in the 15th annual UCF Iron Knight Challenge drags weights across a field in a race to complete eight physical fitness tasks along a military-style obstacle course.
Forward Taylor Hendricks is UCF men’s basketball’s third NBA Draft selection in program history. Hendricks was selected by the Utah Jazz with the No. 9 overall pick of the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Jane Gibson, from the College of Medicine, was selected as one of four 2023 Pegasus Professors, the university’s highest faculty honor. Professors Stephen Fiore, Jennifer Kent-Walsh and Marianna Pensky were also selected.
Rapper and singer Doechii performed at UCFest Concert Knight presented by Campus Activities Board at the Addition Financial Arena.
During UCF Celebrates the Arts — a multi-day showcase of creativity — student cellists and other UCF musicians performed orchestral classics at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.
Backstage during a UCF Celebrates the Arts production at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.
Ballet dancers captivated the stage during TECH-nique: A Dance Concert at UCF Celebrates the Arts, which focused on the intersection of arts and technology this year.
Knights posed for photos in the Student Union during UCF Day of Giving 2023; an impactful celebration that ended with Knight Nation raising over $6.8 million — the most in university history — to support our local community, fund life-changing scholarships, power championship athletics, build 21st century learning facilities, fuel innovative research and enhance the university’s global reputation.
A graduate from Spring 2023 commencement celebrates with loved ones.
UCF students spend a day outdoors in downtown Orlando, which ranks as the No. 1 Best College City in Florida, according to WalletHub.
BRaIN Lab Principal Investigator and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang works with biomedical engineering student Jordan Grubb to understand how the brain and body work together — valuable research to assist those with impaired movement.
The Charging Knight statue — representative of UCF’s excellence in academics, its partnerships with the community and its athletics program — sits near the main entrance of FBC Mortgage Stadium.
College of Optics and Photonics Associate Professor Kyu Young Han works with doctoral student Katelyn Canedo ’16 in the Han Lab, which focuses on optical nanoscopy. Han is an expert in designing new optical tools for biological applications, including ones that could aid in the understanding of human protein linked to diseases.
Student researchers gain hands-on experience with lasers in a lab in the College of Optics and Photonics.
Two students take a selfie with Knightro during the Welcome Back Popsicle Social event hosted by the Office of the President at the Reflecting Pond on the first day of the fall semester.
Political science student Sebastian Jimenez dives into a book outside of the John C. Hitt Library — carrying on the late president emeritus’ core belief that education transforms lives.
Jersey Shore star and DJ, Pauly D, gets the crowd pumped during his pregame set at Bounce House Live at IOA Plaza before UCF football’s first Big 12 home game.
Fans filled FBC Mortgage Stadium for the first Big 12 home football game against Baylor.
The School of Modeling, Simulation and Training secured an advanced dog-like robot named TapeMeasure — allowing them to bring students, faculty and new technology together for innovative research and teaching.
UCF Creative School for Children held a foam splash event to provide its own Spirit Splash-like experience for preschoolers during Homecoming Week.
Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash during Homecoming Week.
Knights charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch coveted homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.
During Spirit Splash, the dance team amped up the crowd before Knights rushed into the Reflecting Pond.
Knightro hyped up the crowd from the sidelines at the homecoming football game against West Virginia.
Assistant Professor of Theme Park and Attraction Management Carissa Baker (middle) works with students to understand theme park storytelling. Baker is a 2023 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching awardee.
Track and field sprinters Latasha Smith (left) and I’Asia Wilson (right) pose with their collection of championship rings at a tailgate event before UCF football’s Space Game.
Football in tow, tight end Alec Holler moves up the field during UCF’s annual Space Game. The Knights defeated Oklahoma State, 45-3, marking their seventh consecutive win since the Space Game debuted in 2017.
