Members of the Chinese Students Association rehearse in front of a mirror for their portion of Cabaret in the Wellness Center Multipurpose Room.
Members of the Chinese Students Association rehearse in front of a mirror in late March for their performance in Cabaret. (Photo by Danny Damiani)

Narrowing down a collection of my favorite images from 2022 was a welcome challenge. I had the opportunity to cover amazing events such as a renewed Blue & White Homecoming Weekend and an in-person Reunion while also experiencing the excitement of a presidential inauguration. Along the way, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ welcomed a new class and introduced new traditions. Speaking of new, I also had the chance to capture the launch of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s new mascot, Blu! Collected here are 20 of my favorite images of the year. 

Megan Pickett, Associate Professor of Physics, hugs 2020 graduate Willa Dworschack during the Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration Ceremony’s procession.
The Class of 2020 returned to campus in June for a special Commencement ceremony, two years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced their ceremony to go virtual. Here, Megan Pickett, associate professor of physics, hugs 2020 graduate Willa Dworschack during the procession.
Ian Harvey and Tarrel Nedderman provide music during a grab-and-go event in Warch Campus Center to celebrate Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s 175th anniversary.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ celebrated the 175th anniversary of its founding throughout 2022. Here, Ian Harvey, Tarrel Nedderman, and Carson Bell (not pictured) provide music during a grab-and-go cookie event in early February in Warch Campus Center. 
Maddy Tevonian, a sophomore, falls down as she celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal during broomball on Ormsby Lake during Winter Carnival.
Maddy Tevonian, a sophomore, celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal during a broomball game on Ormsby Lake, part of Winter Carnival in early February.
Sue Cocoma holds her granddaughter Elyssa Pfluger’s hand during the Baccalaureate Service in Memorial Chapel.
Sue Cocoma, left, holds her granddaughter Elyssa Pfluger’s hand during the Baccalaureate Service in Memorial Chapel in June. 
Members of the Chinese Students Association rehearse for their portion of Cabaret in the Wellness Center Multipurpose Room.
Members of the Chinese Students Association rehearse in late March for their portion of Cabaret in the Wellness Center Multipurpose Room. 
Theater professor Timothy Troy stands for a portrait in Stansbury Theater.
Timothy Troy, the J. Thomas and Julie E. Hurvis Professor of Theatre and Drama and professor of theatre arts, stands for a portrait in late March in Stansbury Theater. Troy received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to teach in Ireland for a year. 
Lexi Praxl, a senior, sits in the costume shop as a wig is adjusted before rehearsal of Molière Inspired.
Lexi Praxl, a senior, sits in the costume shop in mid-February as a wig is adjusted before rehearsal for Molière Inspired.
Afrofusions, choreographed by Amaka Udoh, perform during Cultural Expressions.
Afrofusions, choreographed by Amaka Udoh, perform during Cultural Expressions in late February.
Cael Neary ’17 stands on a ladder while working on a mural in the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Center.
Cael Neary ’17 works on a mural in the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Center in mid-April. 
The mascot Blu does a heel kick during a talent show.
Blu, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s new antelope mascot, performs a heel tap at a student talent show during Blue and White Homecoming Weekend in October. Blu was introduced that weekend as Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ's newest Viking. 
Spotlights shine from the Main Hall cupola after the inauguration ceremony of President Laurie A. Carter.
Spotlights shine from the Main Hall cupola following the May 13 inauguration ceremony for President Laurie A. Carter. 
Sophia Kelley celebrates after scoring a touch during the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Duals during a November fencing match in the Wellness Center.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ fencer Sophia Kelley celebrates after scoring a touch during the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Duals in early November in the Wellness Center. 
The crowd gives a standing ovation after Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Choirs and Symphony Orchestra perform their Major Work Concert: Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, June 3 in Memorial Chapel.
The audience in Memorial Chapel gives a standing ovation in early June after Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ choirs and the Symphony Orchestra perform their Major Work Concert, Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45. 
Cameron Wicks points to those in attendance at Commencement on Main Hall Green.
Graduate Cameron Wicks points to people in attendance at the June 12 Commencement ceremony on Main Hall Green. 
Members of Porky’s Groove Machine perform at the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ stage during Mile of Music.
Members of Porky’s Groove Machine perform at the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ stage during Mile of Music in early August. The Minneapolis-based band, which got its start on the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ campus, is comprised of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ alumni. They return each summer for the popular music festival. 
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Arch is unveiled on Sept. 1.
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Arch is unveiled to the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ community on Sept. 1. The new entryway to campus is on the corner of College Avenue and Drew Street. 
Alumni cheer for other graduates of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ during The Parade of Classes at Reunion.
Alumni cheer during the Parade of Classes, part of the Saturday festivities at Reunion weekend in June. Reunion was held in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic. 
Spencer Brown poses for a photo bathed in blue light while holding the head of the Blu mascot.
Spencer Brown, a sophomore, is one of multiple students who perform as Blu, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s new antelope mascot. 
Dan Rodriguez performs for a packed Memorial Chapel during Mile of Music.
Dan Rodriguez performs for a packed Memorial Chapel during Mile of Music in early August. From the Music Education Team to hosting performances in the Chapel and on Main Hall Green, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ plays a big role in the annual all-original music festival. 
Sean McLaughlin holds a javelin as he stands for a portrait during Media Day.
Media Days for Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ's athletic teams are held at multiple points during the year, giving the student athletes opportunities to get their photos taken for use on social media and other promotions. Here, track athlete Sean McLaughlin stands for a portrait in early November. 

Danny Damiani is the Associate Director of Multimedia Strategy and Production at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ.