Palomar College held its commencement ceremony in the campus’s new football stadium May 23 to honor 2,913 graduates receiving 4,516 degrees and certificates.
Superintendent/President, Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey presided over the ceremonies as more than 650 students walked across the stage. During her remarks, Rivera-Lacey spoke about the importance of celebrating personal achievements.
“Today 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,“ she said. “I am confident that your pending contributions will make our region better for generations to come.”
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. Carrasco teaches French and Spanish at Palomar. Student speaker and 2024-25 Associated Student Government President Safiya Swearingen addressed her fellow graduates. She reminded the Class of 2025 of the importance of using their voice to facilitate change.
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. 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.
“It 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,” Bronson said.
In addition, 21 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. Thirty-seven Rising Scholars are set to graduate, as well. The 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.
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