Gateway Plaza has been a central hub of activity on the UC Irvine campus since its opening in 1965. From the flagpoles to the stairs leading into Aldrich Park, this area between Langson Library and Gateway Commons has seen countless protests, speeches, events, memorials, pep rallies and performances by students and community members alike. To this day, this area is a central place for students to congregate and share their ideas. Check out these photos from UCI’s early years:
- New trees in Gateway Plaza
- Students gathered in Gateway Plaza, 1965
- Students performing in Gateway Plaza, ca. 1970
- Earth Day event in Gateway Plaza, ca. 1970
- Students watching rally from balcony of Library, ca. 1975
- Students at rally, ca. 1975
- Songleader tryouts, 1965
- Gateway Plaza and Commons building
- Chancellor Aldrich speaking to crowd at Clark Kerr firing protest, 1967
- Students at rally, ca. 1975
- Memorial for Robert F. Kennedy, 1968
- Construction of Gateway Plaza, ca. 1965
- Student speaking at rally, ca. 1970
- Basketball coach Dan Rogers speaks at pep rally, 1969
- First raising of the flag, 1965
- Cheerleaders at a pep rally, 1965
- Chancellor Aldrich speaking with students in Gateway Plaza, 1966
- Rally in Gateway Plaza, with Aldrich Park in background
- Students at rally, ca. 1975
- Students filming UCI administrators, 1965
- Protest against the firing of Clark Kerr, 1967
These images, along with thousands more of the UCI campus, are available on the Online Archive of UCI History. Check back soon for more photos, videos, and publications, as additional material from UCI’s history is continuously being uploaded. As always, even more is available in the University Archives on the 5th floor of Langson Library. Come visit us!