Virtual commencement in store for Palomar's class of 2020

SAN MARCOS – 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.

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.

"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," Jack Kahn, acting superintendent and president of Palomar College, said. "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 College transitioned all classes to remote learning and canceled 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, has won multiple Emmy Awards for Palomar College.

Submitted by Palomar College.