The 2025 Palomar College Community Showcase, themed Waves of Innovation, brought together more than 310 community members, educational partners, elected officials, and Palomar College faculty, staff, and administrators at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. The event served as a platform to highlight the critical role of education and philanthropy in shaping the region’s future and advancing student success.

Palomar College Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey presented her Report to the Community, highlighting the past year and future initiatives that will impact generations of students to come.  During her remarks, Dr. Rivera-Lacey noted the growth in enrollment over the last six consecutive academic terms, the importance of educating and training the next generation of our region’s workforce, and a commitment to fostering a “college going” culture in our communities.  “At Palomar College we have something for everyone, we are the place of a million chances, and we accept all who apply,” she stated.

Foundation Board Chair Richard Marks, Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, Deborah Rogers, Zachary Rogers and Foundation Executive Director Stacy Rungaitis.

A shining example of this promise was the spotlight on the Palomar College Water Technology program.  With California facing urgent water and climate challenges, this program is training the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow—right here in our own backyard.

Foundation Board of Directors Chair Richard Marks, Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, Deborah Rogers, Zachary Rogers, and Foundation Executive Director Stacy Rungaitis

The Palomar College Comet Award recognizes individuals or organizations for changing lives, building communities, and creating opportunities.  Pete Rogers was named as the 2025 Comet Award winner.  Due to his recent passing from cancer, the award was presented to his wife, Deborah and son Zachary.

Rogers was a long-time Palomar College Foundation Board member and chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors for three years.   His commitment to increasing the awareness of Palomar College and fundraising for the Foundation was unrelenting.  During his time on the Foundation Board of Directors, net assets of the Foundation grew fourfold.  “Pete’s impact to the Foundation and his dedication to the success of our students was profound.  His legacy will carry on with the Peter Rogers Welding Scholarship at Palomar College established by the Rotary Club of Carlsbad,” said Foundation Executive Director, Stacy Rungaitis.  “He was so passionate about Palomar College that he frequently invited community members to tour the main campus in San Marcos and fall in love with everything we do just as he did.”

Pete often encouraged community members to set aside just one hour of their day to experience what he fondly referred to as the “magic golf cart tour” of Palomar College. While the tour itself took place on a standard golf cart it was Pete’s enthusiasm, warmth, and belief in the transformative power of education that made it truly magical.

Campus tours continue in that same spirit and are available by appointment. To schedule a tour, please contact the Palomar College Foundation at 760-744-1150, ext. 3103.

To view videos from the 2025 Community Showcase visit: Community Showcase 2025.