Palomar College Marks Milestone with Over 2,800 Graduates at Final Ceremony on Old Athletic Field

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Palomar College in San Marcos held its commencement ceremonies on May 24, 2024. The event took place on the athletic practice field and recognized 2,857 graduates who received a total of 4,603 degrees and certificates. This ceremony was the last event on the field before the new football stadium opens in the fall.

Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, the Superintendent/President of Palomar College, spoke at the event. She discussed the importance of commitment and the impact of the graduates on their families and communities.

Elizabeth 'Betsy' Pain, a faculty member and the 2022-23 Distinguished Faculty Award winner, gave the keynote address. Pain, who has taught at Palomar College for 19 years, shared her journey from community college to earning advanced degrees at UCLA, emphasizing the value of community college education.

Christopher Garcia Mendez, President of the Associate Student Government and a future UC San Diego student, and Sophia Segerstrom, the class valedictorian, also spoke. Segerstrom, 19, expressed her plans to continue her studies in English and writing.

The ceremony also honored Anton Greenville, a Palomar College alumnus and Senior Vice President at Balfour Beatty Construction, as Alumnus of the Year. Greenville's story illustrated the role of community college in his professional development and his company's contributions to the college's infrastructure.