Throughout 2024, The Daily Pennsylvanian editorial team captured a historic year — both at Penn and in Philadelphia. Documenting each story in a year defined by administrative transitions, activism on campus, and historic political moments, these are some defining of the images from 2024.

Larry Jameson completed his first full year as the interim president of the University of Pennsylvania, which coincided with other significant changes to campus leadership. Student and community reactions to the Israel-Hamas war resulted in an encampment held on College Green, leading to demonstrations and debates from the community. In November, 1968 Wharton graduate and former President Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, making him the first candidate since 1892 to win two non-consecutive presidential elections.

In all of these moments, the DP photographers were eyewitnesses to history unfolding. Here’s how they captured the moments of 2024, day by day, from January to December.

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Jan. 15 — As students began to arrive on campus following winter break, Philadelphia received over an inch of snowfall. This came after 715 days of no significant snowfall in the city, marking the first time in nearly two years that the Penn community was able to enjoy the occasion.

This first snowfall was then followed by another winter storm four days later — with normal University operations suspended on the Friday before the first weekend with students back on campus. This was the first such suspension in nearly three years, with Penn urging the community to exercise caution.

Jan. 22 — Penn faculty and community members organized a demonstration at College Green in support of academic freedom. Organized by Penn’s chapter of the American Association of University Professions, over 100 University affiliates were present. This demonstration came amid donor backlash to the Palestine Writes Literature Festival, which was held in September 2023, and criticized trustee and donor involvement in University affairs.

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Feb. 4 — Harnwell College House, 1920 Commons, and portions of the Quad lost power. This outage, which Penn attributed to an electrical disruption, lasted from approximately 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 4 to 4:20 a.m. on Feb. 5.

Feb. 29 — On leap day, then-Wharton and Engineering junior Noah Rubin spoke at a bipartisan roundtable hosted by the United States House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The roundtable renewed attention pertaining to the prevalence of antisemitism on college campuses, particularly after a controversial testimony by former Penn President Liz Magill on Dec. 5, 2023 — which eventually led to her resignation four days later.

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March 21 — Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention at Penn held its annual Take Back the Night event, which culminated in a rally down Locust Walk. Hundreds of students marched with signs emphasizing the importance of consent, showing support for victims, and condemning interpersonal violence.

April 8 — A partial solar eclipse was visible from Penn’s campus — the most significant in 40 years. The Penn community gathered across campus and at a viewing party held on College Green to celebrate the occasion through the distribution of special eclipse viewing glasses and Moon Pies. Jameson joined students at College Green, stating that “it doesn't look promising,” in reference to the cloud cover that had suddenly emerged over University City.

April 25-27 — The Penn Relays returned for its 128th iteration in the last weekend of April. Over the course of the weekend, high school, college, and professional track and field athletes came to Penn to compete in one of the most prestigious meets within the sport. This year, the event featured the Global Relays, which featured international relay teams that have previously competed in recent World Athletics Championships and the Tokyo Olympic Games.

April 25-May 10 — Following a march originating at Philadelphia City Hall joined by hundreds of demonstrators, a pro-Palestinian encampment was set up on College Green on April 25. Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine, along with other pro-Palestinian campus groups, released a statement on Instagram with three demands to the University. This included Penn disclosing its financial holdings, divesting from Israeli corporations, and defending Palestinian students.

The encampment lasted over two weeks, with Penn Police officers arresting 33 participants and clearing tents. After the disbandment, access to College Green was fenced off and restricted to individuals with a PennCard. 

May 17 — Pro-Palestinian activists attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall, following the disbandment of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment on May 10. A total of 19 individuals, including seven Penn students, were arrested following the attempt. Protesters and police officers lined up head-to-head on 34th Street, before the march proceeded to the Penn Museum, which was holding an Alumni Weekend event.

May 20 — Commencement for the Class of 2024 was held at Franklin Field, with approximately 6,000 students in attendance. This year, the ceremony featured Commencement speaker Siddhartha Mukherjee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and remarks by Jameson — his first Commencement since assuming his new post.

June 4 — University of the Arts, located in Center City, announced that it will be permanently closing in an email dated May 31. Students and faculty protested against the abrupt closure of the University, which was held in front of Dorrance Hamilton Hall.

Aug. 6 — After being named the 2024 Democratic Party nominee for president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris announced her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, during a rally held at Temple University’s Liacouras Center. Harris’ pathway to the nomination occurred after incumbent President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential election on July 21.

Aug. 26 — Penn officially welcomed the Class of 2028 at the annual Convocation ceremony, which like last year, was held at Franklin Field. This ceremony marked the first time Jameson gave a Convocation address, in which he acknowledged polarization and urged for the need to recognize differing viewpoints. Following the ceremony, a dessert reception was held at Shoemaker Green.

Sept. 10 — The first and only presidential debate between Trump and Harris was held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Across campus, watch parties were hosted in college houses, Irvine Auditorium, Huntsman Hall, and the Annenberg School for Communication. During the debate, Penn students had animated reactions when both candidates had mentioned the Wharton School during the first 10 minutes.

In Center City, a spin room was set up at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Among those in attendance were Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), the Republican nominee for vice president, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Trump. Outside an energy filled room, demonstrations occurred throughout the city.

Oct. 4 — The campus McDonald’s, located at 40th and Walnut streets, hosted a grand reopening. In January 2023, the old McDonald’s location, which stood on the same site as the current, underwent redevelopment into the new complex.

Nov. 4 — On the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Harris made a final pitch to voters, the night before Election Day. Over 30,00 people attended the event, including hundreds of Penn students, with Lady Gaga headlining.

Nov. 5 — Election Day at Penn was marked by organizations tabling on Locust Walk, the Penn community making their way to vote at Houston Hall and the ARCH, and election night watch parties held across campus. Harris won 81.6% of the precincts around Penn, with Trump receiving 16.3% of the vote.

Nov. 24 — No. 6 Penn men’s soccer fell to UMass 1-0 in the first game they played in the NCAA tournament. The team’s appearance followed an at-large bid to the tournament after a loss to Princeton in the Ivy League tournament final on Nov. 17.

Dec. 6 — Penn announced that it will partially demolish David Rittenhouse Laboratory within the next several years. On the site, a brand new physical sciences building will be constructed, the Univeristy Board of Trustees announced at meetings in November 2024.