The new academic year marks the arrival of the Class of 2029 — and a chance to reflect on 65 years of UC San Diego history. This exhibit invites you to marvel at and be amused by the differences between yesterday and today.

Photographs and campus publications from UC San Diego Library's Special Collections & Archives illustrate how the campus and its students have changed over the years. On display are images of traditions like the Watermelon Drop, along with campus publications that reveal the historic interests and issues of former students and faculty. Even the Chancellor’s lunchboxes reflect a unique campus custom.

While change may be reflected in these items, these stories and traditions link today’s students with campus history — even while new traditions and stories are being created with each new class.

Welcome to UC San Diego is on view in Geisel Library (2nd Floor West) from September 24 to December 15, 2025, during the building’s open hours.

Photo Caption: Class of 1968 Revelle Plaza cement signing. Robert Glasheen Photograph Collection. MSS 154. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Library.

View this image and many more historical photographs of campus life throughout the decades via the Library's Digital Collections.