Gallery | DI Photo year in review: Favorite captured moments, photos of 2023

By Jacob Slabosz, James Hoeck, Jack Larson, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Eric Chiang, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Olivia McAfoos, Anh Khoi-Pham, Isaac Pinkus, Emma Pyatt, Damini Rana, Anne Schmidt, Alyssa Shih, Matt Stepp, Lucas Sun and Daniel Zhou • December 31, 2023

The Daily Illini Photo File
On Jan. 25, Facilities & Services worked to remove snow accumulation from the winter storm that morning. Early in the day, there was heavy snowfall and conditions were slippery.

Candice Zhou
Hailey Alessandra, senior in LAS, opened a smoke shop off South Sixth Street in Champaign to help fight negative stigmas about girls who smoke. Alessandra hopes to hold a grand opening on Feb. 15.

Jacob Slabosz
On Feb. 26, students, staff and alumni alike gathered by the hundreds to hear the Altgeld Bell Tower ring for the last time for the foreseeable future. Due to scheduled renovations and restorations, the bells will not be heard again for the next few years.

Anne Schmidt
A young Illini fan at the men’s basketball game against Michigan holds The Daily Illini on March 2.

James Hoeck
Illini Esports kicks off its first invitational at the State Farm Center with the announcements of prizes at stake on March 31. Multiple teams from different colleges and universities made an appearance to compete in the event.

Angel Saldivar
Armani White hands out fruit snacks to the crowd at Foellinger Auditorium during his set on April 5.

Angel Saldivar
Students get hyped at the front of the crowd at Spring Jam 2023 on April 23 for Sean Kingston.

James Hoeck
Matt Maltese after his Lollapalooza set on Aug. 3.

James Hoeck
New Jeans performs for the first time in the United States at Lollapalooza in Chicago on Aug. 3.

Eric Chiang
Angie Galo passes the ball during a match against Michigan on Sept. 24.

Daniel Zhou
An Illini helmet lays on the turf during the game against Penn State on Sept. 16.

James Hoeck
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie cracks a smile while performing at the State Farm Center on Sept. 26.

Angel Saldivar
Karma Carrington during a drag night performance at The Canopy Club in Urbana on Sept. 30.

Anh-Khoi Pham
A pride parade marches down West Green Street in Urbana on Oct. 1.

Olivia McAfoos
Apple cider and blueberry and pumpkin muffins quietly on display on Oct. 9.

Jacoby Banks-Hull
Members of the Champaign-Urbana community gather around Alma Mater in protest for Palestine on Oct. 12.

Jacoby Banks-Hull
Advocates, students and members of the community gather in front of Alma Mater on Oct. 12 as Students for Justice in Palestine holds a protest.

Jack Larson
Sophomore setter Brooke Mosher sets the ball for a Raina Terry spike in the fourth set against Rutgers on Oct. 15 at Huff Hall. Mosher had 43 assists against the Scarlet Knights.

Anika Khandavalli
An intern at Japan House serves tea during a Homecoming matcha ceremony event on Oct. 20.

Alyssa Shih
An Illini tractor driver tips their hat to the crowd during the Homecoming parade on Oct. 20.

Sofi Klein
Luke Altmeyer, Illini football quarterback number nine, stares as he waits to leave the tunnel. Illini football played the Wisconsin Badgers for their Homecoming game on Oct. 21, which ended in a Badger win 25-21.

James Hoeck
Rock band Foreigner performs their farewell tour concert at the State Farm Center at the end of Homecoming Week on Oct. 22.

Lucas Sun
Certainly So performs at The Canopy Club on Oct. 28.

Emma Pyatt
Participants dressed as Luigi and Princess Peach in the puppy parade at Hessel Park on Oct. 28.

Emma Pyatt
A pet dressed as Wednesday Addams comes to Hessel Park to participate in the puppy parade during Halloween weekend on Oct. 28.

Isaac Pinkus
A cow licks her friend in their pen at the Dairy Cattle Research Unit on South Lincoln and Hazelwood drives on Nov. 5.

Isaac Pinkus
A cow peers above the fence at the Dairy Cattle Research Unit on South Lincoln and Hazelwood drives on Nov. 5.

James Hoeck
The University of Illinois Observatory stands peacefully as the sun sets on Nov. 7 while crows fly overhead.

Matt Stepp
The Champaign Fire Department responds to a fire at 212 S. First St. on the night of Nov. 7.

Sofi Klein
Junior Adalia Mckenzie smiles as she is announced in the starting lineup for the Illini against the Eagles on Nov. 7.

James Hoeck
Guard and forward Ty Rodgers jumps beneath the hoop for a layup against Oakland on Nov. 10.

Jack Larson
Graduate middle blocker Kennedy Collins digs an Ohio State serve in the second set on Nov. 15.

Damini Rana
Fleewood Mac cover band Rumors of Fleetwood Mac performs at the Virginia Theatre on Nov. 15.

Olivia McAfoos
Senior offensive lineman #78 Isaiah Adams lifts senior wide receiver #14 Casey Washington into the air after his touchdown against Northwestern on Nov. 25.

Olivia McAfoos
Senior wide receiver Casey Washington received a heartfelt hug after losing his last home game to Northwestern on Nov. 25.

Matt Stepp
A model at the fourth Circular Fashion Expo poses with a power drill in hand on the lower-level runway at the Siebel Center for Design on Dec. 2.

Elena Baker
A light shines on Circular Fashion Expo model Samantha Simmons during CFE.4 on Dec. 2.

Olivia McAfoos
Forward Coleman Hawkins holds the Braggin’ Rights trophy after Illinois defeated Missouri on Dec. 22.

About the Contributors

Jacob Slabosz, Editor-in-Chief

Hey, I’m Jacob! I am currently a junior in computer engineering with a minor in German. I started at The Daily Illini in Fall 2022 as a news reporter and staff photographer, and by Spring 2023, I had worked my way to photo editor. Between March 2023 and March 2024, I was the Managing Editor for Visuals, and I have since taken over as Editor-in-Chief. When I’m not taking pictures for The DI or for fun, I enjoy cooking, water sports and tending to my numerous houseplants. I’m excited to use my background in coding to further automate out workspace processes and to see the content that our team produces!

James Hoeck, Photo Editor

I am James Hoeck, a senior in photography with a minor in media. I have been a part of Illini Media for over three years starting back in fall 2021. I hold the position of photo editor here at The Daily Illini overseeing our photo department. I also work as photo editor and editor-in-chief for Illini Media’s yearbook, The Illio. There is a good chance you will see me out and about on campus taking photos! If you want to check out more of my work, visit my linked socials. For inquiries, contact me at my attached email.

Jack Larson, Audience Director

Angel Saldivar, Assistant Photo Editor

My name is Angel Saldivar and I'm nearing the end of my Journalism degree at the University of Illinois and currently serve as the Assistant Photo Editor at the Daily Illini. When I'm not out taking photos, I'm diving into filmmaking with my film club (shoutout Illini Film and Video) or playing the drums. Got questions or just want to connect? Don't hesitate to email me!

Candice Zhou, Assistant Photo Editor

Hey! My name is Candice Zhou, and I’m a junior majoring in accounting and finance. I joined The Daily Illini in spring 2022 as a photographer and am now the assistant photo editor. I love music and singing (I am currently in a band called Too Soon!). I also like traveling, watching movies, playing tennis, etc. Fun fact about me: I am a DJ! If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

Isaac Pinkus, Assistant Photo Editor

Matt Stepp, Visual Director

Hey there! I’m Matt, I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Graphic Design, with a minor in media. I started here at the Daily Illini in the fall of 2023 as a staff photographer, and now serve as the Visual Director for the Daily Illini. I have always loved photography, you will probably see me around campus shooting sports and other events. I’m also an artist and love watercolor painting and illustration. If you’re a swimmer or enjoy the pool, you may see me at the ARC or CRCE working as a lifeguard as well, I’m never away from a pool for too long!