In its second annual Report to the Community, Palomar recognized Brian Cahill of Balfour Beatty Construction and looked back on a year of student success.

Left to right: Palomar College Foundation Executive Director Stacy Rungaitis; 2019 Comet Award recipient Brian Cahill; Palomar College President’s Associates Chair Pete Rogers; and Palomar College Superintendent/President Dr. Joi Lin Blake.

ESCONDIDO, CA (December 12, 2019) — The second annual Palomar College Community Showcase brought hundreds of local leaders and philanthropists together for breakfast and an inspiring presentation at the California Center for the Arts on Thursday, Dec. 12. Brian Cahill, the California Division President of Balfour Beatty Construction, was honored with the 2019 Comet Award, and college officials presented the annual Report to the Community, this year entitled “Building Our Future.”

“Palomar College continues to meet the needs of our community, from innovative programs to crucial student services and the financial support that originates with our generous Foundation donors,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Joi Lin Blake. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in the past year, and it’s a privilege to share our highlights with you today. Thank you for your ongoing support of Palomar College.”

In the most inspiring moments of the event, husband and wife students Mark and Jennifer Novello shared about overcoming immense challenges to pursue their education at Palomar College—he as a wounded Marine Corps veteran, and she as a survivor of abuse and former single mother.

“From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of all Palomar College scholarship recipients, thank you,” said Jennifer Novello. “You’ve made a major difference in our lives.”

Accepting the Comet Award, Cahill reflected on the importance of higher education, and thanked the volunteers who under his leadership have organized one of the most successful annual charity golf events in San Diego—the Invitational Go lf Classic, which brings in roughly $225,000 for the Foundation.

“We’re here to showcase the impact of Palomar College on North County—an impact that is made possible by all of you, our partners and supporters in the community,” said Stacy Rungaitis, Executive Director of the Palomar College Foundation.

The event was attended by hundreds of community leaders and Palomar College supporters, with music provided by the Palomar Performing Arts Jazz Quartet.

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Media contacts:

Julie Lanthier Bandy, Public Affairs, jlanthierbandy@palomar.edu, 760-744-1150 x2365

Tom Pfingsten, Public Affairs, tpfingsten@palomar.edu, 76 0-744-1150 x2960