Growing up in a conservative immigrant family, Jennifer Corona was not encouraged to think about her higher education, let alone leave the house and go off to college.

So she arrived at Palomar in 2018 without a plan, but brought with her a determination to become the first person in her family to earn a college degree.

“Palomar has given me the experience and shown me that I can succeed and thrive in college level courses,” said Corona, now 20 years old. “Being chosen as Valedictorian has made me realize that I have come a long way from where I started—that I am capable of overcoming difficulties if I believe in myself and set my mind to it.”

Read the rest of Corona’s story on Palomar News.

Congratulations to our talented Palomar College TV (PCTV) staff, who have once again brought home an armful of awards from the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.

Jim Odom, Manager of ETV and KKSM Radio Operations, reports that “Palomar College was well represented in the professional and student categories. Nominated for a total of ten awards, PCTV staff won awards in six categories. It’s a pleasure to work with the talented professional staff of Palomar College Television and the students in the DBA program. It was very different to see the awards announced virtually this year, but we did have Zoom viewing parties so we could yell and applaud together!”

This year’s Emmy Award winners are listed below:

Thank you to the 300 people who joined us for the Black Lives Matter forum and vigil on Wednesday, June 10. In Dr. Kahn’s words: “The speakers, representing Palomar College faculty, staff, and students moved us to tears in courageously sharing their stories and vision for a more just college and world.”

The 10 action items provided by our students and cited by Dr. Kahn during the Zoom event are below:

1. Improve and include race-conscious and race-based training for current Palomar police department officers and students in public safety programs.
2. Identify a designated space for African American/Black students at Palomar College (mirroring the Pride and Veterans Center).
3. Hiring more faculty, staff, administrators who are African American/Black.
4. Hiring full-time faculty for Africana Studies who are authentically engaged in Black consciousness.
5. Audit classroom climate. Create action plans to implement inclusive classroom and equity-minded teaching.
6. Provide professional development trainings specifically addressing support for our African American/Black students and promoting anti-racism in curriculum and teaching to ensure action is taking place.
7. Ensure African American/Black employees are protected contractually and are included in decision-making processes.
8. Host get out the vote campaign and contextualize the history of voting rights.
9. Have celebratory graduation for African American/Black students on campus.
10. Establish an action group that works towards institutionalizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Palomar College.

Don’t forget to set your calendars for Palomar’s first ever Virtual Commencement ceremony, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19. You won’t want to miss this special production by our very own Palomar College TV team, featuring the national anthem sung A cappella by one of our very own students, commencement speeches by student and faculty leaders, and highlights from the academic year. This will be a viewing experience made to honor all graduates since an in-person ceremony was not possible because of the COVID-19 health crisis.

The ceremony will be accessible to view on the Palomar.edu home page at the scheduled date and time.

At its regular monthly meeting on June 9, 2020, the Governing Board of the Palomar Community College District unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Jack Kahn as Interim Superintendent/President of the District effective July 1, 2020. Dr. Kahn has been serving as Acting Superintendent/President since December 2019.

Each member of the Governing Board provided statements of support and approbation of Dr. Kahn, recognizing him for his leadership and dedication during the last six months.

“It has certainly been an unusual time to lead one of the largest districts in the state,” said Dr. Kahn. “I credit the incredible team of administrators, faculty leaders and staff for the results we have been able to achieve within such a short time. We have been able to reduce our structural deficit for this fiscal year through a lot of collaboration, a renewed sense of trust, and difficult decision making.”

“I am really looking forward to working with my colleagues to further improve our fiscal stability, serve students during this difficult economic downturn, and develop an anti-racist culture during a time when our region needs us most,” he added.

A hearty thank you to the more than 400 classified staff whose hard work keeps Palomar College running smoothly and moving forward as an institution.

“On behalf of all of our students and faculty, I want to thank all of the classified professionals who are steadfast in their commitment to the success of our students,” said Acting Superintendent/President Dr. Jack Kahn. “As a College, we recognize the work you all do and appreciate each and every one of you.”

In a temporary closure unrelated to COVID-19, the North County Transit District (NCTD) Transit Center at the front of campus will remain closed until July 28 for the replacement of the concrete pavement in the circular driveway maintained by the NCTD.

During construction, the transit center and its public restrooms and adjacent sidewalk will be fenced off. The NCTD has made arrangements for temporary bus stops on Mission Road adjacent to the Sprinter station, adjacent to the transit center on the westbound side of Mission, west of the entrance to Palomar College parking lots 1 and 2; and on Armorlite Drive near the Sprinter station on the south side of the tracks.

For more information, please refer to the NCTD website at https://gonctd.com/maps-schedules/service-alerts/#

The Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Building has been named one of the top 100 “Green GOOD DESIGN” projects in the world. Dennis Astl, Manager of Construction and Facilities Planning at Palomar, said this recognition marks the 12th time the project has been awarded by industry groups like the San Diego Architectural Foundation, which awarded M&O its Malone Grand Orchid in October 2019.

The latest award was bestowed by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. Organizers also named the architectural firm BNIM, which designed the complex at the corner of West Mission and North Las Posas roads.

Read the story on Palomar News.

Palomar College held the annual Employee Recognition Celebration online today, May 22, 2020, honoring faculty and staff for their awards, accomplishments and years of service, and recognizing those who have recently retired.

“It was inspiring to be reminded of the good work that all of Palomar’s employees do week in and week out, and to be reminded of the professional dedication of our team,” said Acting Superintendent/President Dr. Jack Kahn. “Congratulations to our honorees, and thank you for what you do for this college.”

Among those who received special recognition were:

• Classified Staff Employee of the Year Award — Thomas Daily, Performing Arts
• Confidential and Supervisory Team (CAST) Employee of the Year Award — Jeff Bennett, Building Services
• Administrative Association (AA) Employee of the Year Award — Justin Smiley, Arts, Media & Business Administration
• Faculty Service Award — Hossna Sadat Ahadi, Counseling & Matriculation
• Distinguished Faculty Award, Part Time — Barbara Springer-Hammons, Child Development
• Distinguished Faculty Award, Full Time — Kristen Marjanovic, History