serve 30,000 students. And with plans to ' remodel or acquire even more campuses around North County, Palomar's growth is not going to slow in the upcoming years despite a huge cut in state funds, "We're getting crunched;' Deegan said. He added, "We're still operating with the same money we had in 2004:' In addition to less funds Palomar has had to deal with a new rush of students thanks to many Southern California universities turning away students due to under funding and over enrolment. President Deegan addresses the issue of enrolment by saying, "We never shut the door and say you can't get in:' He plans to remodel many of the remaining added, "We have a responsibility to the buildings at the main campus in the upcoming years. Most of these buildings community:' have been around since the early decades But this growth is starting to become at Palomar and look the part when a problem for Palomar. "It's like adding water to a cup of soup, you can only add viewed next to the giant new buildings so much before it starts to dilute the surrounding them. There are plans for building a new program;' Deegan said. What's happening is the student library, finishing construction on population is growing faster than the the new Planetarium, replacing the college can handle. The little college that Industrial Technology building and originally had 100 students is getting razing the B building, constructing stretched to the limits. "We're doing the in its place another giant multistory best we can with the resources we have;' building to house Palomar's growing Deegan said. Palomar has an ace up its Humanities classes. "The plan now is sleeve though; it still has a big chunk of how to build all these new buildings and a $694 million bond it received in 2006. still operate a college;' President Deegan This was the largest general obligation said. Unfortunately, a negative effect of bond in college history and the bond this new construction is less parking ensures another $300 million from for students, which any student who the state. This knight in shining armor has ever attended Palomar knows is a for Palomar has helped it expand and problem. Deegan took this into account and improve its many campuses around North County. "It's a good time to build;' said, 'Tm always concerned about Deegan said, thanks to the struggling parking;' and added that he "never wants economy construction bids are at an all- to take away parking from students:' So in addition to all the new buildings there time low. Palomar's rapidly increasing student will be a new student parking lot built on population will be further aided by the east side of campus.
e never shut the door
and say you can't get in. We ha responsibility to the communit -Palomar President Robert Deegan Palomar also is in the process of setting up new large permanent campuses in both Rancho Bernardo and Fallbrook. Palomar also will be updating its campus in Escondido. "It's important for us to do, we have a responsibility to that community;' Deegan said about the Escondido campus and admits, "it doesn't have the best curb appeal:' Escondido's campus changes will include a new fa<;:ade and better traffic flow to help it stand out as a college instead of just another strip mall in east Escondido. These changes should help aid Palomar's increasing student population in the future. Let's hope that Palomar's next 65 years will be just as successful as the first. "It's a college with a great history and tradition of service for its community;' President Deegan said. In the last 65 years, not only has Palomar grown considerably, but so has North County. "Much larger for sure;' said Archer who taught at Palomar from 1963-2003. Palomar is working to fulfil its educational obligation and continue to serve the north county communities that have helped contribute to its success.
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Having a difficult time choosing your path? Here are some things to consider. story and photos by Amanda Segobiano
• SIUU.S AND 'l'UAI'l'S: Throughout the five • UANIUNG: Going to college before joining military branches, leadership skills are enhanced, the military gives a person the opportunity to attain disciplinary skills are built, and extensive teamwork their Bachelor's degree, and in turn, enlist as an officer skills are taught. These traits are beneficial when going who receives higher pay. There is also the option to to school after getting out of the military, especially get a contract which guarantees an officer slot and, when completing assignments and working on a time depending on the contract, financial aid for school may schedule. "The military disciplined me and made me be available. "If I could do it all over again I would have care more about what I have;' said four year veteran . gone to school first;' said Jeff Trujillo, a currently enrolled Jose Chiman. He is also attending Palomar Palomar student and Navy veteran. He intends to rejoin College with the intent of going back into the U.S. Navy after he finishes his medical the military. program. Individuals can • H NAN(~ l1U HENEH'l'S: The military • 'l'DIE 'l'O Gll01'7: Students have more always go to provides financial aid for school through the opportunity to further their education before G.I. Bill after someone gets out of the service. risking their lives for the good of the country. college and serve . .um PIJU~EIIEN'l': Not only does the "I think it's better to get it out of the way in the military at the military place people in a field that they test while you are still in 'school mode'... you can same time, it 's just a into, but after a person gets out, they have always join;' said Emily Ricci. She earned her little more difficult. more of an advantage to get a job Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science because employers look for the skills at CSU Fullerton and has served as an Army mentioned above. Sergeant.
palomar college
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