Aronne Chan, a soon-to-be CHASS graduate, has left a lasting legacy at UCR with his campus photography. As a student photographer for CHASS, Chan has photographed dozens of college events including live performances, Highlander Day, and a recent photo shoot featuring more than 70 student volunteers.

Chan’s most recent accomplishment is winning the R’Card contest for 2024-2025, with his winning photograph to be featured on the ID card. With graduation approaching, he plans to continue pursuing his passion for photography and videography, celebrating this new milestone in his final days at UCR.

“This achievement is particularly significant to me as it not only acknowledges my passion for photography but also celebrates my connection to UCR as a graduate soon,” Chan said, a filmmaking student with a minor in marketing.

Chan, who learned the news on April 2, was one of 93 entrants and his photograph was one of only four finalists for the contest. The scenic campus shot during sunset garnered 64% of the total votes as a fan favorite. As the winner, Chan will receive a $75 voucher to the UCR bookstore and a free 2024-2025 R’Card.

Chan captured the winning photograph with a drone camera two years before his win after taking a hike near campus. This year’s photo contest marks Chan’s second submission.

“Capturing the beauty of our campus from a unique perspective has been a rewarding experience,” he said. “This recognition reinforces my commitment to continuing my journey in photography and possibly as a career one day.”

According to Chan, his interest in photography comes from his background in going on adventures and traveling with his family when his father gave him his first camera, a Nikon D5100, in middle school. 

Chan continued his photography interest at UCR and later joined the CHASS team in November 2023 where he dropped in at a staff Halloween party to take pictures. He was quickly offered a paid student position with the CHASS Marketing and Communications team.

“I accepted it since I wanted to try something new after working for the basketball and volleyball game as the production assistant and camera operator,” he said. “I’ve been taking pictures for CHASS ever since and was motivated to join the team because I wanted to capture and share the unique and vibrant life at UCR for everyone to see and save.”

“Aronne has met or exceeded every expectation we had when we hired him,” said Melanie Ramiro, CHASS Performing Arts Specialist and Chan’s supervisor. “We were lucky to call him part of our CHASS student team this year.”

According to Chan, he has had the opportunity to document numerous events, projects, and everyday moments that define the CHASS college experience. 

“Every photoshoot we do together turns into an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling and joyful moments,” said Tom Vo, a fourth-year sustainability major and fellow student employee on the CHASS team. “I cherish my friendship with him and look forward to many more exciting adventures and memories with him in the future.”

With graduation just a week away, Chan is excited to wrap up his time as an undergraduate at UCR.

“Graduating from college is only the beginning and I can’t wait to see what is ahead of me,” he said. 

Following graduation, Chan will begin his new role as a social media & audience engagement intern at KABC-TV (ABC7).

“I'm eager to contribute to ABC7's mission of connecting with the community and creating meaningful content for their diverse audience,” Chan said. “This is a stepping stone to what I want to do in the future.”

FEATURED PHOTO. Aronne Chan poses in front of A. Gary Anderson Hall.