Palomar holds Community Showcase

“Exploring the Possibilities” is the theme of Palomar College’s third annual Community Showcase, a virtual report to the community. The showcase, presented by the Palomar College Foundation, takes place at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The showcase is an hourlong celebration of student successes despite enormous challenges, and an opportunity for the community to hear from Palomar’s leadership.

The event will be made available via Zoom, and will feature: highlights from the 2019-2020 academic year; a message from Interim Superintendent/president Jack Kahn; and a posthumous tribute to John Masson, former foundation board chairman and a former Escondido City Council member. There will also be a special announcement in Masson’s honor.

“It is a privilege to take a moment at this year’s event to honor John Masson for his many contributions to both the College and the Foundation,” said Stacy Rungaitis, executive director of the Palomar College Foundation, in a statement.

A longtime foundation supporter and board member, Masson died in March 2020 at age 55. He was a Palomar graduate.

The showcase will culminate in a presentation on cybersecurity, one of Palomar’s newest academic programs.

“Cybersecurity is such a hot topic right now, and a lot of businesses in our community are interested in it,” Rungaitis said.

“As we approach Palomar College’s 75th anniversary this fall, we are looking to the future, but also looking back at a lot of good work done to serve the students of North County,” said Kahn in a statement. “The Community Showcase is a great way to connect with our stakeholders and let them know all of the exciting things that are happening at Palomar.”

The Community Showcase is free, but registration is required at bit.ly/3oqbkk3.

John Masson