Indio Native Geoffrey Demke Honored as Outstanding Graduate at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus has named Geoffrey Demke as the Outstanding Graduate for 2024. Demke, from Indio, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in history from the CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. His graduation ceremony is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, May 17, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario. After graduating, Demke intends to enroll in a multiple subject credential program at the same campus to become an elementary school teacher.

Geoffrey Demke's academic success follows a challenging educational path. Homeschooled from the fifth grade, Demke initially lacked formal education, helping his father with tile and stonework instead. He returned to traditional schooling in his junior year of high school, which he found challenging but ultimately excelled in, achieving a 4.0 GPA in college.

While at the Palm Desert Campus, Demke engaged in academic and extracurricular activities. He was the vice president of the History Club and a member of the PDC Soccer Club. He volunteered regularly at the Coachella Valley History Museum and interned with their Jr. Historians after-school program. Demke also attended every Career Pathways event during the academic year, which introduces students to various career opportunities.

Demke's educational achievements were supported by his family and mentors. His wife, Niccole, and daughter, Allison, provided motivation, while university mentors like Dr. Priscilla Porter and Dr. Michael Karp were crucial in his academic and personal development. These mentors helped him realize his potential and inspired his teaching career.

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