SAN MARCOS (May 23, 2025) \u2013 Earlier this evening, Palomar College held its commencement ceremony in the brand new football stadium, to honor graduates receiving degrees and certificates that exemplify the determination and perseverance of their educational journey.<\/p>\n
A total of 2,913 graduates will be awarded 4,516 degrees and certificates, with many students receiving multiple awards.<\/p>\n
Superintendent\/President, Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey presided over the ceremonies as 728 students walked across the stage.\u00a0 During her remarks, Dr. Rivera-Lacey spoke about the importance of celebrating personal achievements. \u201cToday we are at the intersection of endings and new beginnings, where we pay tribute to the journey completed, while simultaneously anticipating the exciting future ahead,\u201c she said.\u00a0 \u201cI am confident that your pending contributions will make our region better for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
William Carrasco, Ph.D., the 2023-24 Distinguished Faculty Award Winner, keynote speaker, and songwriter, included a song he wrote at the end of his remarks.\u00a0 Dr. Carrasco teaches French and Spanish at Palomar.\u00a0 Student speaker and 2024-25 Associated Student Government President Safiya Swearingen addressed her fellow graduates.\u00a0 She reminded the Class of 2025 of the importance of using their voice to facilitate change.<\/p>\n
The class of 2025 graduates included the 2025 Valedictorian Lea Bronson, who earned a 4.0 grade point average despite starting classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0 While working at Elizabeth Hospice, Bronson developed a project known as Last Wish Transports, in which hospice patients choose a location where they can get together with their loved ones. \u201cIt was due to my experiences at Palomar College, that I am now ready to move forward with a strong academic foundation, a resilient mindset, and a genuine desire to make an impact where it matters most,\u201d Bronson said.<\/p>\n
In addition, twenty-one Bonsall High School students who earned degrees and certificates while attending the Early College program at the Palomar College Education Center in Fallbrook plan to participate in the ceremony. Twenty-nine Rising Scholars are set to graduate, as well. \u00a0The Rising Scholars program is designed to offer academic and support services for formerly incarcerated individuals who are dedicated to personal and professional success through education.<\/p>\n
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