Commemorating the 60th anniversary of UC Irvine (1965-2025), Anteater Experience traces more than six decades of campus development since UCI's site selection in 1960. Highlighting student life, sustainability, and landscape, this exhibit illustrates key features and milestones that have helped shape the campus culture and environment.

Using original campus photographs and documents, Anteater Experience demonstrates how UCI's layout and design, including its iconic circular shape and lush Aldrich Park, formed under the guidance of architect William Pereira. Once sprawling, near-barren ranch lands, the campus today is home to an urban forest of more than 30,000 trees and plants. Protected natural open spaces also serve as important sites for research, community outreach, and conservation efforts.

With more than 36,000 students, 19,000 employees, and 240,000 alumni, UCI and UCI Health today have a $7 billion annual economic impact in Orange County and $8 billion annual economic impact on the state of California. Known for its sustainability and conservation efforts, UCI has transformed over the last 60 years into an internationally recognized research institution.

Curated by Christina Acevedo, Stephen Anderson, Cheryl Baltes, and Cynthia Johnson

Research and contributions by John Sisson, Krystal Tribbett, and Audra Eagle Yun

Designed by Allan Helmick, Sylvia Irving, and Luisa Lee.

Exhibit will be on display in Langson Library from February through September 2025 during regular library hours .