PALM DESERT —College of the Desert will celebrate the Class of 2020 with its first virtual commencement ceremony, which will go live on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The Class of 2020 represents the largest graduating class in the history of the College, as well as the second graduating class of students from the plEDGE program, which offers local high school graduates two years of free tuition.

“Members of the Class of 2020 worked hard to finish their degrees as the world around them grew more uncertain,” Superintendent/President Joel L. Kinnamon, Ed.D., said in a prepared statement. “Now is the moment for these graduates to celebrate and be celebrated because they didn’t give up on creating their tomorrow.”

Available for viewing the entire Fall 2020 semester, the commencement ceremony will feature remarks from Dr. Kinnamon and student speakers Graciela Morales and Briana Jandt.

commencement

Graciela Morales

Morales, a Business Administration graduate said, “College of the Desert Class of 2020, you all have inspiring stories that shaped you into the successful individuals you are. We are now better prepared to face anything! Let’s continue working on our big dreams.”

Jandt, a Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences major added, “More than anything, College of the Desert has given me a second chance at life. Today, I feel successful, worthy, empowered and intelligent…I could never say thank you enough for all the pieces of hope you have given me.”

To honor this year’s graduating class and their accomplishments, graduates were sent diplomas, complimentary caps, tassels, diploma covers, credentials and commemorative bumper stickers by mail over the summer.

Lead photo caption: Briana Jandt

 

Image Sources

  • G-morales-4: COD
  • Briana Jandt: COD