Due to the current pandemic, many graduates have not been able to have an in-person graduation just like the previous years. This year Palomar College has decided to celebrate all 2021 graduates in a different way and host a drive-through commencement that will be recorded for the family members and friends who will not be able to attend.
The event is scheduled for 5 p.m on Friday, May 25, at the San Marcos campus. The commencement will be live-streamed with a special program which will be pre-recorded featuring the schedule of the speakers as well as the awards. The program will be available on Palomar College’s website starting at 2 p.m. on the day of commencement.
KKSM, Palomar College’s radio station, will also be hosting a remarkable pre-event program which will include pre-recorded messages, live call-ins, music, and details about the commencement. Listeners can find KKSM on their radio app, or tune to AM 1320, to follow along with the event. Palomar College T.V. will also be airing a live stream of the event for those who will not be able to attend.
Palomar College officials have limited one vehicle per graduate to minimize traffic on the day of the event. A vehicle that does not have a graduate inside will not be allowed to enter the campus.
Kelly Donaghy, the Student Activities Coordinator announced that students will need to register in advance for the event with predetermined entry times. Students who are eligible for graduation will need to wear their cap and gown, and will be allowed to bring guests as long as they are in the same vehicle as the graduate.
The graduation starts off at the Comet Circle entrance located off West Mission Road, which is east of the main entrance to the campus. The vehicles will be entering through the Comet Circle, then they go around Parking Lot 12, where Interim Superintendent/President of Palomar College, Dr. Jack Kahn will be waiting to award the graduates.
Last year, Palomar College hosted a commencement video which was streamed online. This year, having more time ahead to plan, Palomar College officials have high hopes for this remarkable event to be fun and unforgettable for the graduates.
