UC Riverside celebrated the start of a new academic year with the Chancellor’s Faculty and Staff Picnic Tuesday, Sept. 10.

For the second year, the picnic was held at the HUB Plaza. Some attendees dined at the outdoor patio while others gathered inside the HUB for shade and cooler temperatures during the heat.

Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox welcomed employees in a short speech while also taking time to wander through the crowd chatting with people and taking selfies.

“This is the time of year that we have an opportunity to connect,” he said. “Happy 2024-25 school year!”

Wilcox also encouraged support for the R’Professional Career Closet, which had a table at the HUB Plaza. The Career Center program, which offers business professional attire to students, is in need of donations.

About 1,200 employees registered for the picnic.

Attendees were served beef and vegan burgers, snacks, and drinks while Staff Assembly handed out ice cream bars at its booth. A KUCR DJ played music on loudspeakers while other campus organizations hosted informational tables.

Check out more from the picnic in the photo gallery below.