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College of the Desert will present more than 1,600 degrees and certificates to a record number of graduates during this year’s commencement ceremony, to be held in person on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
The event returns to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78-200 Miles Ave. in Indian Wells, for the first time since public gatherings were curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commencement was held virtually in 2020 and 2021, but those classes are invited to participate in this year’s ceremony.
“We are looking forward to celebrating our graduates for their accomplishments,” said Superintendent/President Martha Garcia, Ed.D. “Our students have demonstrated incredible resilience and perseverance during one of the most challenging times in history, and it is our pleasure to recognize their hard work.”
College of the Desert offers numerous initiatives to attract and retain students, including: EDGE/plEDGE, which provides two years of free tuition for local high school graduates and ongoing support; specialty programs for military Veterans and underrepresented students; campus expansions and satellite programs to expand opportunities and access across the entire Coachella Valley.
“As more students receive diplomas and certificates, more of them will move on to higher paying jobs right here in the valley, not only improving their own lives and the lives of their families, but also the regional economy,” Garcia said.
This year’s graduation ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be live streamed at collegeofthedesert.edu/2022Commencement. For more information, visit collegeofthedesert.edu.