SAN MARCOS, CA (April 6, 2026) – Palomar College celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Pride Center at the San Marcos campus this week.

In 2010, Palomar College was one of the first community colleges in California to establish a Pride Center.  Housed at the San Marcos campus, the new Center is designed to provide a welcoming space where LGBTQ students and allies are empowered to reach their personal, academic, and career goals.  

“Today is a day to celebrate pride and progress. Pride in the identities, voices, and experiences that make our community so vibrant. And progress in our continued commitment to building a campus where every student feels seen, supported, and valued,” said Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services, Nick Mata. 

As the LGBTQ population has continued to increase, the need for a larger space was validated with nearly 20% of the student population self-identifying in a recent student survey.  The effort and plan for the new space were led by Pride Center Faculty Coordinator and Professor Dr. Ben Mudgett, who has long envisioned Palomar College as the beacon of queer excellence for LGBTQ student success, personal growth, and community engagement.  The Center is located within the Student Union and provides a more central and larger facility for LGTBQ students and allies to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.  The Center also provides academic and behavioral health counseling.

“The opening of the new Pride Center makes our goal of creating a space to honor, support, and celebrate our dynamic and diverse LGBTQ community a reality,” said Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Tina Recalde.  In her remarks, Dr. Recalde shared a previous professional experience that reiterated her lifelong commitment to treat all human beings with care and compassion.  She stated, “simply put, we make education possible for everyone by breaking down barriers and eliminating the stigma and biases that may surround our employees and students.”

During the grand opening celebration, attendees were engaged with remarks from a founding member of the Pride Center Committee to Combat Hate [PC3H] and former Pride Center Faculty Coordinator Dr. Abbie Cory, and Executive Director of the North County LGBTQ Center, Max Disposti.  Both Dr. Cory and Mr. Disposti provided insights into historical and current efforts to provide a space for LGBTQ+ students can feel, not just safe, but welcomed and valued as part of a larger community.

The Palomar College Foundation announced the creation of the Pride Center Endowment Fund. The fund has received early contributions from several donors who have set a goal of reaching $10,000 during this calendar year.  The endowment represents a long-term commitment to this community as it will live on into perpetuity. “These funds are not just monies, but a promise to respond to the emerging needs of the Pride Center,” said Palomar College Executive Director Stacy Rungaitis.  Donations can be made online at the Foundation website.

For more information, please visit the Pride Center website.