College of the Desert celebrates nearly 1,000 students at 60th commencement ceremony

College of the Desert celebrated nearly 1,000 graduates who earned diplomas and certificates at its 60th commencement ceremony on Wednesday evening at Acrisure Arena.

Kelly Merchant led the Pledge of Allegiance and Annette Marquez performed the national anthem. Alejandro Jazán, dean of social sciences and arts, served as the commencement host. Scott Cooper, transfer counselor and 2024 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, delivered an address to the students, as did Kelly Michelle Garcia, who was named this year's student speaker.

"There is dignity and value in every job. And though your first job may not be your final destination, you need to give it your best effort," Cooper said. "And when looking for work, not all doors will open. I have grown to learn that I am just as thankful for the doors that did not open, as for the ones that did. You have a purpose and you must knock on every door until you find it."

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Leading up to the all-school graduation, COD also held additional graduation events, such as the 19th annual transfer recognition ceremony and the physical therapy ceremony. In the following days after the commencement ceremony, COD will host the basic peace officer training and basic fire fighter academy ceremony, as well as the nurse pinning ceremony.

"To our graduates, pause and reflect. Do not let this moment pass you by without indulging. You did this. You made it. You made this moment. I need to tell you that not every milestone you achieve will come with a clearly defined opportunity to celebrate, so don't let this moment today pass you by," said Laura Hope, COD's interim superintendent/president. "We owe it to ourselves, to those who came before us and those who will come after us to move forward in life with more intentionality and awareness."

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: COD celebrates nearly 1,000 students at 60th commencement ceremony