With social distancing measures still in place and all classes in remote format through at least the summer semester due to COVID-19, Palomar College graduates and their guests will be part of a unique celebration.

SAN MARCOS — For the first time in Palomar College’s 74-year history, commencement will be presented online in a ceremony tentatively scheduled for mid-June and produced by the institution’s award-winning Palomar College Television (PCTV).

“The students in Palomar’s class of 2020 have been working hard toward their degrees for some time and we intend to honor their hard work, as we always do at this time of year,” said Acting Superintendent/President Dr. Jack Kahn. “We look forward to celebrating our graduates, their success and their achievements in this one-of-a-kind format.”

In the wake of social distancing measures imposed by state officials in March, Palomar transitioned all classes to remote learning and cancelled its in-person commencement exercises, originally scheduled for May 22.

With production details still developing for the mid-June virtual celebration, students will be required to upload a photo to be displayed as every graduate’s name is recited, reflecting the tradition of past commencement ceremonies.

PCTV, which is leading the production, is a multiple-Emmy Award-winning department of Palomar College.