Since 1972, Palomar College has been helping thousands of active duty military and their family members achieve their educational goals at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  Most recently, 57 students who had earned degrees or certificates from Palomar College were celebrated at a formal ceremony on Base. Most earned certificates of achievement in the Military Leadership program that Palomar offers to active-duty Marines. Students earn the certificate through a combination of work experience in their jobs as Marines and college classes.

The keynote speaker at the event was Brigadier General Nick I. Brown, Commanding General of Camp Pendleton. Palomar College President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, along with Governing Board President Jacqueline Kaiser and Trustee Roberto Rodriguez, and Student Trustee Ariel Fridman, attended the ceremony.

“This was a significant opportunity to recognize the importance of serving the educational needs of our military affiliated students.  While we celebrate our students each year at our annual commencement ceremony, this intimate gathering with Brigadier General Brown, really magnified the impact education has on the future of these students,” said Superintendent/President, Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey.

The graduates received their regalia for the event for free through the Student Success and Equity Office at Palomar College. Other education institutions that offer programs for Marines – Park University, Central Texas College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and National University – also participated in the program.