Thousands Expected For College Of The Desert Graduation Ceremony On May 18

PALM DESERT, CA — Thousands of people are expected to be on hand at Acrisure Arena for Monday's College of the Desert Class of 2026 graduation ceremony.

The 62nd commencement will see more than 2,200 certificates and degrees conferred upon the Class of 2026.

The arena opens at 4 p.m.; the ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Acrisure Arena is located at 75702 Varner Road in Palm Desert.

College of the Desert Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia will preside over the ceremony. The event will also include the presentation of the Faculty of the Year and
Roadrunner of the Year awards, along with a student address from Tahitha Pugh, a member of the Class of 2026.

Board of Trustees Chair Ron Oden will confer degrees on the Class of 2026 students, who represent more than 35 countries, according to COD officials.