
Life hasn’t been easy, but Palomar gave her a way forward
“Palomar made it possible to make something of my life as a single mother.” SAN MARCOS — Not long after graduating from high school in south Orange County, Laura Szemenyei knew she needed to make a change. She was in trouble with the law, and she knew that the...

New air conditioning, heating program draws a full lab
Career education program at Palomar’s Escondido Education Center gives students the option of a “workforce ready” certificate in as little as six months, a full Certificate of Achievement, or an Associate of Science. ESCONDIDO — Inside a new classroom and student...

Smoother parking for students as Palomar adopts new digital system
With the implementation of a digital system utilizing license plate scanners, the Palomar College Police Department has modernized campus parking enforcement. Pictured above: Lead CSO Dominic LaPorta of the Palomar College Police Department checks parking permits...

Palomar Promise and Fallbrook campus make for a good first year
“Palomar made it possible for me to take my first year of college tuition-free and close to home.” FALLBROOK — As one of the first students to set foot inside a classroom at Palomar College’s new Fallbrook Education Center, Melissa Barrera graduated high school with...

From recovery to research, ‘Palomar has changed my life’
“Palomar made it possible for me to pursue my dream of helping people through research.” SAN MARCOS — When Joel Marroquin came to Palomar College at the age of 33, it was still difficult for him to walk. He had broken his back six months earlier in a workplace injury...

Daylight and fresh air: Leading the way in energy efficiency
With its passive design features and a solar array being installed, the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Building at Palomar College has won more sustainability awards than any other recent project on campus. Pictured above: The Operations wing of the M&O...

Academy recruit has served with Palomar Police since 2006
“Palomar made it possible for me to fulfill my dream of serving in law enforcement.” SAN MARCOS — Fourteen years ago, Jesus Montes came to Palomar College fresh out of high school and enrolled in his first Criminal Justice class. Within the year, he was manning the...

USMC vet, mother of two recalls hard-earned success at Palomar
“Palomar made it possible for me to earn my transfer degree while raising kids and using VA Benefits.” SAN MARCOS — When Lydia Keaty first arrived at Palomar College, the mother of two had already served five years in the Marine Corps, traveled the world, and...

From ESL to Architecture, Palomar alum still pursuing his goals
“Palomar made it possible for me to determine my path to a rewarding career.” SAN MARCOS — From his first English class at Palomar College to his walk across the stage to receive his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), the path that Abelino Gregorio started following...

Arboretum upgrades include better trails, groundwater well
Pictured above: Palomar College Manager of Construction and Facilities Planning Dennis Astl, left, and Grounds Services Supervisor Tony Rangel discuss one of the trees near the newly refurbished trail in the college's arboretum. A long-awaited set of improvements to...