We first caught a glimpse of Ben's unique story from the Desert Sun article last year He was then 24, and an English major at College of the Desert. His passion for writing, poetry, literature – and old typewriters was highlighted. (Story Link below.) So we asked Ben to share a few words celebrating new, growth, and starting anew. "Begin," seems to send us on our way... 

The Foundation of College of the Desert wants to celebrate their Legacy Donors. So watch the desert publications for Foundation ads highlighting the wonderful people that make College of the Desert successful in its mission to serve the Desert Community.

The Foundation of College of the Desert wants to celebrate their Legacy Donors. So watch the desert publications for Foundation ads highlighting the wonderful people that make College of the Desert successful in its mission to serve the Desert Community.

The Observatory, telescope and related computers and equipment were donated by Palm Desert resident Ivoj Kudrnac to benefit College of the Desert students in astronomy and other Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines for years to come.

KCOD, College of the Desert’s student radio station, won 17 Golden Microphones at the 78th annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System’s national awards ceremony on Saturday night in New York City.

Artists like Smith and the muralist Ryan Campbell who found inspiration and direction at COD are emblematic of the college’s vision to be a center for collaboration and innovation. Both have gone on to be shown internationally and Smith’s work will be a permanent beacon to incoming students.

COD alum Ryan Campbell has worked with Phillip K. Smith on several projects. His COD professors had a lasting impact on his work and career.

The COD Foundation Thanks Our Sponsors As We Celebrate COD's 60th Anniversary

Your support will help benefit the life-changing academic and career student success programs and services provided by College of the Desert.

Hundreds of College of the Desert students had a chance to meet and thank their scholarship donors at the 7th annual Donor Scholarship Reception.

A BIGHORN CARES grant of $10,000 will provide subsidies to COD veteran student families which covers the childcare cost of the veteran’s child in the college’s Early Childhood Center. To date, BigHorn Golf Club members have provided over $500,000

At College of the Desert more than 15,000 students a semester attend more than 1,300 classes while pursuing a degree or certificate in more than 119 fields. Get to know your community college...

College of the Desert was named one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. 

Sponsorship supports a fiery, explosive, and heartfelt musical tribute featureing Lucie Arnaz and her 'Latin Roots.' but you'll also be supporing so much more...

A $50,000 grant from the Auen Foundation to College of the Desert (COD) is helping nursing students who would otherwise fall through the “gap” of financial aid. Through this grant, scholarships are being awarded to qualifying nursing students who fall in a gap of working poor yet still have too much income to receive state and federal assistance

All of us at the COD Foundation family were saddened to learn of the sudden loss of a long-time advocate and supporter of College of The Desert. 

This Dad Packed Up A U-Haul And With His Wife and Two Young Children Headed West

The screenwriting team of Robert Mason “Bob” Pollock and wife Eileen “Mike” Pollock left their mark on College of the Desert in a big way…

The skies are unlimited for learning at College of the Desert’s East Valley Campus in Mecca/Thermal. A new observatory and telescope will help students reach for the stars when it comes to their higher education and career goals. 

College of the Desert Foundation mourns the loss of a wonderful friend and avid supporter of students, COD Foundation and higher education College of the Desert. Patrick McCarthy died Tuesday, February 10, 2017, from complications due to cancer and a virus infection. 

A local resident’s life-long love and passion for astronomy will soon open the skies for learning at College of the Desert’s East Valley Campus. 

College of the Desert given a ranking as one of the most scenic community college campuses in the nation. 

Thank You For Your Investment In COD and Student and Valley Success!!

There’s so much more to learn about your community college. See more, click here Get To Know COD

September 2016 is also known as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month which helps promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention, how you can help others and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

Tim T. Nakamura is the Director of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness at College of the Desert. But Tim has been coming to COD since he was 10 years old.

The Desert Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a $577,860,000 local education bond measure on the November 2016 ballot. The bond measure will provide critical capital funding which will allow the College to expand, modernize and meet the increasing demands for higher education and career training throughout the Coachella Valley.

COD Foundation recently received a gift of $20,800 from the Roatry Club of Indian Wells for student scholarships at College of the Desert.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Donor/Student Scholarship Reception at College of the Desert. I was beyond amazed. It was a magical culmination of community.

President Kinnamon, in his State of the College address, underscored both the challenges and opportunities inherent in increasing the number and the rate of local high school students who are prepared for college.

In a little over a year, thanks to events like Stepping Out for COD and additional support from grants and individual gifts, we have raised just over half of our $2.4 million goal to support student success at College of the Desert.

The Annexstad Family Foundation - helping support the bright minds and big dreams of veterans at College of the Desert.

A record-breaking number of students, over 1,100, have completed the required coursework for graduation and over 450 are expected to participate in the ceremony.

Kim Dozier, Ph.D. came from a family of educators. From her great grandmother, to both her grandmothers, and her mom. That’s really unheard of today. So, naturally, Kim didn’t want to be a teacher.

COD Foundation Academic Angels Spring Bloom Luncheon was in full bloom April 11, 2016 at the Blossoming Gardens at Toscana Country Club...

Fifteen members from Tamarisk County Club joined us for a COD Palm Desert Campus Tour.

In November 2009, the Board of Trustees of College of the Desert adopted the following Sustainability Stewardship Policy to affirm that...

Not one. Not two, or even three or four. But five modernist visionary architects who collaborated to design the initial phase of COD. Have you taken a tour? Modernism Tour is Feb 12.

COD Foundation Receives $50,000 donation from Norma Kleinschmidt in Support Student Success Initiatives at College of the Desert

Visual Artist Barbara Ellmann has been working with encaustic paint (hot wax) for over 20 years, often creating modular, multi-panel works. AN OPEN BOOK 2 is meant to be “read,” perceived and comprehended entirely visually, so that any narrative paired with these images originates from the viewer in exchange with the work.

Many students at COD struggle to achieving a degree or certificate. The challenges confronting our students are not due to an inability to learn or understand. Upon starting college find they have a whole new set of unanticipated barriers: academic, social and cultural, as well as their own internal self-doubt that often bring them to a stop.

He's always had a mind for finance and keen eyes set to the future, now Vernon Kozlen is bringing his heart full of passion to help higher education and student success at College of the Desert.

This year we have much for which to be thankful.

Scholarships, books, and a computer provided the support this Marine veteran needed when he returned to the valley to attend College of the Desert.

The 2015 Season Kick-Off Reception was a chance for members of President’s Circle and Academic Angels and their guests to meet

As College of the Desert (COD) Performing Arts prepares for its last weekend performances of the musical Rent, the department recently  announced the Desert Theatre League has given six awards for COD productions in the 2014-2015 season.

Day in and day out, student success drives what we do. And many of us do more…

COD Foundation was presented a check for $45,000 from the Friends of the College of the Desert Library to be used for

College of the Desert Foundation has partnered with the Ophelia Project to brighten the future for 15 young women in the Coachella Valley.

The Berger Faculty Innovation Center will serve COD faculty and instructors with cutting-edge technology they can use to create new curriculum, incorporate technological advances into the classroom, and add innovation to their teaching—all leading to improved student success outcomes.

Octavio Rocha always wanted to be an architect but had to overcome multiple obstacles on the way to achieving his academic and career goals. 

At College of the Desert, first-in-family college students, or first-generation students, make up 84% of the student body. 

The Solutions kiosk was a concept and instruction plan of Dr. Kelly Hall, Associate Professor of Business and Robert Holmes, Professor of Business. This unique campus store opened in 2011

During my freshman year of high school I decided to drop out of school and look for a job. I always regretted my decision but didn't feel I had what it took to go back and secure an education.

While Donald Wexler may have been best known for his innovative work in designing and developing elegant and simple steel homes, we have always been particularly fond of his work developing our Palm Desert campus home. 

Student success initiatives helped College of the Desert deliver its largest graduating class in history this past May, 2015, conferring 1,100 degrees and certificates for the 2015-2016 academic year.  

College of the Desert (COD) will celebrate the newest nursing graduates on Friday, May 22 during a colorful pinning ceremony at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. Approximately thirty students have earned the Associate Degree in Nursing and are now eligible to take the licensing examination to become registered nurses. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. 

When it comes to making a difference, outgoing College of the Desert Foundation President Donna Jean Darby is in a class by herself. Determined and quietly effective, she has proven to be a powerful agent for change.

Members of the College of the Desert Foundation Academic Angels, their guests and COD leaders gathered at the lovely Vintage home of Larry Brookshire and Sunny Lee for the annual Coeta Barker Memorial Reception.

Wells Fargo Foundation recently awarded College of the Desert Foundation a donation of $75,000 to be used toward college priorities developed by faculty and administration

The annual graduation ceremony on May 22, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Boone Field, located on the Palm Desert Campus, is the highlight of the year for College of the Desert’s (COD) faculty, staff and especially the students.

The Academic Angels (formerly COD Auxiliary) celebrated their 30th anniversary last month with a festive luncheon at The Club at Morningside.

Four College of the Desert military veterans received $1,000 scholarships during an end-of-the-season party at Deep Canyon Tennis Club in Palm Springs. But that was just a start as $15,000 match challenge was issued...

Regret and sibling rivalry fan the flames of laughter in this wickedly wonderful Chekhovian mash-up that equally tickles both the casual theatergoer and the ardent student of the Russian classics.

KCOD CoachellaFM, was recognized as a finalist in three competitive categories at the 75th Annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Conference and Awards March 6-8, 2015, in New York City.

College of the Desert Foundation's Academic Angels celebrate 30 years supporting student success with celebration and spring luncheon March 18.

More than 230 deserving COD scholarship recipients and more than 50 generous scholarship donors were brought together to meet face-to-face.

The community is welcome to join us for Jazz at the Pollock featuring faculty, students, and guest artists performinmg in our intimate Pollock Theatre.

COD Foundation is proud to welcome Dr. Myron and Mrs. Joanne Mintz to our family of donors and higher education supporters. 

The spring semester brings new life to one of the most famous fairy tales ever told as The C.O.D. Dramatic Arts Company presents JACK, February 27th – March 1st in the Pollock Theater

Everywhere you look, we're changing lives. Take a look at just some of the many highlights from our students and alumni, faculty and programs, and at the College's campuses growing valley wide.

College of the Desert math professor Leif Jordan, Ph.D. knows first-hand the challenges students face as they struggle to pursue higher education and a better life.

Roughly 12 students in COD's automotive programs spent a recent Sunday afternoon inside the exclusive gates of the Thermal Club. There, the students had the opportunity to meet with motorsport professionals to learn what lies behind the scenes in motorsport careers.

Diane and Neal Denkler – Paying it Forward With COD Foundation.

The College of the Desert Foundation Academic Angels will host the 2014 Citizens of Distinction Luncheon, Wednesday, December 3, 2014, in recognition of this year's four honorees for their outstanding contributions to higher education at College of the Desert. This year's honorees include: 

College of the Desert Womenb's Golf held on to win the California Community College Athletic Association state championship Monday  on the Morro Bay golf course. It is the fifth state title for Desert but the first title in 15 years.

College of the Desert Foundation has received a generous grant of $2,000 from the Whole Kids Foundation to partially fund development of the Kitchen Garden.

College of the Desert has been awarded a federal grant for Inland Empire Career Training programs.

The students of the College of the Desert Theatre Arts department are shivering with ANTICI…(wait for it)…PATION as they bring to life one of pop culture’s greatest creations - The Rocky Horror Show. If only we were amongst friends... or sane persons! Like our President's Circle Members who can enjoy two complimentary tickets. 

Bank of America Charitable Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to College of the Desert Foundation and the BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Veterans Resource Center. 

As a COD Alumna, Undersheriff Colleen Walker has retired her position after becoming only the second woman to reach that rank since the Department was created in 1893.

Technically minded middle school students are getting the opportunity to develop an understanding of robotics and practice creative problem solving while building their own robot.

COD Foundation hosted more than 150 agriculture industry friends, faculty and current students in celebration of COD's newly renovated agriculture building,

Actress Alison Lohman got her start as a performer in musical theater productions with College of the Desert (COD).

COD Alumnus Noris Paul stepped up with a $50,000 endowed scholarship as his way of giving back to the College that he says gave so much to him.

College of the Desert alumna Tricia Gehrlein has seen first-hand the power of higher education to overcome obstacles and change lives. 

City of Palm Springs and College of the Desert Announce Plans to Relocate West Valley Campus to Palm Springs Mall.

Questions and answers relating to the City of Palm Springs and the Board of Trustees of the College of the Desert (COD) announcing plans to move the much anticipated new West Valley Campus from its current proposed location to a new site in the heart of the city at the Palm Springs Mall.

As members of the COD Foundation’s Board of Directors, we understand the power of education to change lives for the better

In honor of its 30-year anniversary, the College of the Desert Foundation has launched the Changing Lives Campaign to raise $3 million for priority projects, programs and services that support the College’s 10,000 annual students.

From Student Body Vice President at COD to appointed by the President of the United States.

Legions of loyal fans flock to each and every John Stanley King performance in the Coachella Valley. But it wasn’t always that way for this local choir boy who found his future at College of the Desert (COD).

When Sheila Trexler graduated from the nursing program at College of the Desert (COD) in 1973, she could have never imagined the twists and turns her career would take.

From the locker room to the boardroom, Mayra Orozco was determined to succeed.

Scott Sohn wanted to be an architect. Little did he know when he enrolled in a plant design course at College of the Desert (COD) that his life and career path would be changed forever. 

Juggling an average of 22,000 student meals each day, Stephanie Bruce credits her preparation at College of the Desert for a successful culinary career.

This entrepreneur and proud alumnus of College of the Desert (COD) has taken his passion for computers all the way to the top of the high tech industry.

When Dodi Henry emigrated from her home in Bosnia in 1974, she sought freedom and a new life. She

As COD alumni, we know the power of education to change lives. Now we're giving back. Join us.

Jesus Palominos always dreamed of a career in music but never thought it was possible – particularly because he is legally blind.

When Heather Enos graduated from Palm Desert High School,  going away to college wasn’t a financial reality for her. She explored her options at College of the Desert (COD), and was pleased to discover the flexibility of class schedules allowed her to work full-time while fostering her future career path, as well.

After being honored with multiple scholarships, Faustino followed the advice of friends who urged him to develop a career in something he was passionate about…

Eight distinguished members of the local community have recently joined the College of the Desert Foundation Board to offer their support for the college in the community.

The Academic Angels of College of the Desert Foundation announced their honorees for 2013. Following are this year's honorees and their contributions to College of the Desert and the Foundation. 

College of the Desert's annual graduation ceremony was filled with color and pageantry, short speeches, and the traditional caps and gowns and distribution of hard-earned diplomas. For the first time, this year’s ceremony  included acknowledging the hard work of the students who earn certificates in their chosen fields of study.

College of the Desert Foundation welcomes Windermere Real Estate Southern California into our family of businesses making a difference in higher education by setting up a scholarship fund for COD student success.

If a single person can change the world, imagine how six College of the Desert (COD) students made a lasting impression on Charles “Chuck” Yates. 

Join College of the Desert Foundation, February 19, 2014, for Stepping Out For COD with Bernadette Peters at the McCallum Theatre.

Edison International awarded COD Foundation a $25,000 grant in support of general scholarships for low-income, first-generation college students at College of the Desert.

Leadership Coachella Valley visited College of the Desert March 15. The participants spent a full day learning about education and non-profits in the Coachella Valley. They also had the opportunity to hear from experts in those fields.

Thank you  Mary Silver for hosting her “Come and get acquainted with the Jewel of the Desert – College of the Desert” event this past January 17, 2013.

The 2012 Chili cook-off raised more than $60,000 for scholarships and student support services through COD Foundation.

College of the Desert Foundation and the Office of Financial Aid are hosting a Scholarship Reception, February 11, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Cravens Student Services Center. 

College of the Desert Foundation is proud to have a community partner in the Rotary Club of Coachella East. The club's community service focus is helping improve literacy and education advancement in the eastern Coachella Valley.

This year's President's Circle and Business council Recognition was a beautiful evening hosted by Jim Carona and Chip Tom at Heather James Fine Art. The event was catered by Lulu’s California Bistro with music provided by the College of the Desert Jazz Septet. Members enjoyed amazing art as well as meeting COD's new President Dr. Joel L. Kinnamon. 

It's the holiday season - a time for celebration, a time for family, a time for reflection and most importantly a time for giving and sharing. In fact, 46 percent of non-profit organizations receive most of their donations in October, November and December. We do too.

Two brilliant stage performers, Bebe Neuwirth and Brian Stokes Mitchell, are bringing their considerable talents to the Coachella Valley to benefit the College of the Desert (COD). Stepping Out For COD with Bebe Neuwirth & Brian Stokes Mitchell will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre

College of the Desert Foundation has the only remaining VIP tickets to see Barry Manilow in his GIFT OF LOVE charity concert performances at the McCallum Theatre. COD is thrilled to be a beneficiary of this wonderful series of performances. VIP tickets still available on Dec. 11, 14, 15 and 16.

College of the Desert Foundation couldn't have asked for better role models or benefactors. Both Wayne and Maureen Johnson started their higher education in the California Community College system before going on to complete their degrees at four-year universities.

A bright shining thank you goes to our community partner - Access Solar for their generous gift of solar modules for use in COD's solar energy training program. Access Solar also now employs several of COD's program graduates.

Homecoming Festivities begin Wednesday, Oct. 10 with Homecoming Court elections that lead up to the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 13. Homecoming Court elections kickoff Homecoming activities on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 10 and11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.

October is Disability Awareness Month and we would like to put the spotlight onto Autism because of the heightened attention that this disability has received by the media in recent months.

Quick facts on California’s Propositions 30 & 38 and their effects on College of the Desert.

Summer 2012 saw the completion of construction on the Math Science Technology Center (MSTC). Information Technology and Institutional Research (ITIR) along with the faculty for math and science and the Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program moved into their new space and offices.

The new Center includes: A Full-Time Specialist who serves as the School Certifying Official who assists students and their families to access their VA benefits, processes VA paperwork, and provides information about academic programs and degree requirements.

College of the Desert Foundation has been recognized by CBS Local 2 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.

Former College of the Desert students Daniel Suhr and James Gray, both New York City firefighters lost their lives while saving others at the World Trade Center. COD Remembers.

Why doesn’t College of the Desert open more classes to allow all the students on waiting lists into the courses they need?

If you are asking this question, keep reading. Although most people’s eyes glaze over at the mention of budgets and legislative funding, there really is a connection between the decisions our legislators make in Sacramento and these issues at College of the Desert.

I was in the first class that attended for two years and obtained a degree there. I was active in extracurricular activities and received the Outstanding Leadership award my freshman year. Following graduation, I attended Coe College where I majored in history and received my B.A. in 1966.

It took just a matter of hours to feel the pace on campus shift into full speed as fall semester kicked off August 27. It was impressive to watch COD’s traditional welcome tents take their places around campus.

Roadrunner Club launches its inaugural year with more than 110 new COD graduates and alumni members. Roadrunner Club was established by the Foundation in 2011 to provide a new entry-level giving opportunity to join the College of the Desert family.

College of the Desert has earned the inaugural award for Excellence in Geriatric Education Award by the Hearst Foundation. The award is granted to schools of nursing that demonstrate exceptional instruction and innovation in this key area of nursing education.

We are proud to welcome 25 new members to the President's Circle. Our members invest their ideas, talents, creativity and expertise for the benefit of the college and community. We hope you'll consider joining President's Circle too. 

Greatest books of all time. Did you have a reading list this summer?

Meet Jeanette, COD Alumnus, Class of 2012, Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Communication.

College of the Desert’s (COD) Fourth Annual Youth Robotics Camps are taking place across the Coachella Valley this summer, inviting young minds to discover the wonders of science while creating LEGO robots.

Dr. Joel Kinnamon officially began his duties this week as the seventh Superintendent/President of College of the Desert and Desert Community College District.

College of the Desert (COD) has received approval from the California State Fire Marshall’s Office to begin a fully accredited Basic Firefighter Academy beginning August 28, 2012, at the new Roy Wilson Fire Training Center in Thousand Palms.

Desert Healthcare District and CVEP’s Pathways to Success distributed scholarships to 33 deserving recipients at the third annual scholarship recipient open house at the Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center.

College of the Desert Foundation is proud to feature Barry Manilow as our Donor of the month. Without doubt, Barry is one of the valley’s most beloved artists, supporters and philanthropists.

The Foundation hosts many events throughout the year to highlight achievements of the College, alumni, faculty or for purposes to raise funds for critical needs College wide.

Starting June 1, College of the Desert Foundation supporters will be able to gain access to a very special group of tickets to Barry Manilow's GIFT OF LOVE concerts at the McCallum Theatre.

California Community Colleges Board of Governors awarded Energy and Sustainability Honorable Mention to COD at their board meeting in Sacramento.

The Desert Community College District Board of Trustees announced this morning their selection of Dr. Joel Kinnamon as the new College of the Desert Superintendent/President effective July 9, 2012. Dr. Kinnamon is coming to COD from Chabot-Las Positas Community College District where he was serving as Chancellor of this two-college district.

College of the Desert’s Arturo Palomino and Joseph Moeller - both MESA students - defeated dozens of other community college students in the southern CA area to the region’s top place in the program’s third annual Math Challenge.

As the spring semester comes to an end, several ceremonies honoring College of the Desert (COD) students have been planned for the month of May.

Members of College of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary wrapped up a successful year with a spring luncheon and annual meeting at the Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel.

Jerry Patton reflects on his eight years of service at College of the Desert. Patton will retire his post as COD President in June. Jerry Patton has a disarming way about him.

Green jobs have arrived in the Coachella Valley, and a pipeline of new renewable energy projects will keep the opportunities coming — along with a need for ongoing job training programs.

The Cravens Student Services Center (CSSC) at College of the Desert (COD) has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold Certification.

Union Bank's proactive investments in the communities where the bank operates target resources that benefit low- to moderate-income populations.

A deluxe cruise with proceeds going to College of the Desert, Rancho Mirage Public Library and the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition is being planned by a group of local philanthropists.

For me, College of the Desert is high on the list, providing outstanding opportunities for Coachella Valley residents to study for that dream career and then move into the local workforce. 

Leave it to local television host and emcee Pattie Daly Caruso to produce yet another memorable St. Patrick's Day Faith ‘n' Begorra extravaganza.

Thanks to donors like you, College of the Desert's Culinary Program along with its aspiring student chefs helped make one of El Paseo's Fashion Week 2012 events a big success.

Mr.& Mrs. Hal Gershowitz, passionate champions of College of the Desert, opened their beautiful home at BIGHORN Golf Club, on March 13 in support of President’s Circle and the College.

Emmy award-winning actor Gary Sinise, star of the hit CBS television program CSI: NY, was involved in a traffic accident on Friday, March 30 in Washington D.C., necessitating the cancellation of COD's performance.

March news and updates from College of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary - Women In Philanthopy.

Patrick and Edeltraud McCarthy are two of the “quietest” benefactors in our desert community. All who know them are truly overwhelmed with their involvement...

The singer who writes the songs that “make the whole world sing” has Stepped Up For COD to establish the Barry Manilow Scholarship at College of the Desert Foundation and expand access to arts, education and music for local students at COD.

I dropped out of high school in 1986. By the end of the 80’s my opportunities were very limited...That changed in 1990 when I stepped onto the campus here at College of the Desert.

Desert Sun Features Foundation Program: Veterans returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are enrolling at College of the Desert in record numbers, and school officials are making plans to accommodate their growing ranks.

College of the Desert (COD) Foundation has received a generous donation from BIGHORN Golf Club Charities in the amount of $150,000.

I am thrilled to be one of the performers in the upcoming “One Enchanted Evening V,”

College of the Desert's (COD) student-run radio station, KCOD received a large donation from American pianist, composer and radio broadcaster John Tesh, and film and television actress Connie Sellecca

Have you ever wondered how different your life would be if you were to attend college? Can you imagine the people you would meet? Have you thought about what experiences you would encounter and how many doors might open for you? Well, I have, and that is why I enrolled in College of the Desert.

Mark Nickerson is the Managing Partner of Prime Time International. Based in the Coachella Valley since 1997 (with roots dating to 1987), the company is the largest year-round grower, packer and shipper of multi-colored peppers in the United States

In March 2004, the citizens of the Coachella Valley approved a general obligation bond measure of $346.5 million dollars to fund facilities projects. The College continues to build new structures and refurbish existing buildings on the main campus in Palm Desert.

The Palm Desert Rotary has named President Jerry Patton Citizen of the Year for 2012! The motto of Rotary Club is “service above self,” and this sentiment is the primary criterion as the Rotary committee selects its annual Citizen of the Year recipient.

The College of the Desert Board of Trustees approved the members of the campus Presidential Search Advisory Committee at its regular meeting held December 16, 2011.

News and updates from College of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary - Women In Philanthopy.

The Desert Sun Editorial Board - College of the Desert has seen state funding slashed by $4.4 million in the past two years. It anticipates losing another $8.4 million during the next four.

The Desert Sun, January 10, 2012 - Once frustrated by lack of quality child care, Dianne Russom is now the program director for the McCarthy Child Development and Training Center at College of the Desert.

Congratulations to Gloria Margarita Rodriguez and Tanya Petrovna for being named by a group of Desert Sun editors and reporters as two of 12 people who will likely make headlines as 2012 unfolds.

College of the Desert's (COD) Nursing Program got a critical $750,000 'shot in the arm' last week as the community pulled together in an impressive show of support

I met Larry McLaughlin, Director of the COD Desert Energy Enterprise Center, while visiting a local job fair in 2009. I was looking for a job because I was recently laid off. Larry happened to be putting a wind turbine technician course together for the college. I pursued it and was able to attend the first course.



I moved from New Jersey to the Coachella Valley in 2008 and six months later I was taking classes at College of the Desert. In my first career life I was working with computers when computers were first being developed.

I’m a writer and a librarian. I’ve got academic degrees and certifications and all the “stuff” that says I’ve achieved my education and success. Therefore, I’m beyond what COD has to offer. Right? Wrong.

I began my educational experience with COD in 1994. One could say I was on the “20 2-year Program.” I took classes at the EVC, which we also called, “Indio High School.” I was taking math classes for fun- no real goal.

Rick and I are part-time desert residents and full-time supporters of College of the Desert. We are proud to support COD and lead the membership campaign for the COD Foundation.

At College of the Desert’s Renewable Energy Training Program I learned all aspects of solar energy. Once I received my certificate, I was hired by First Solar to help build the Desert Sunlight Solar Project near Desert Center.

I went back to school to COD when I was 33 years old to get my nursing degree. My life had taken a big turn when my 20 month old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and I knew I needed a different profession, 

The Desert Sun, November 20, 2011, Erica Felci  - Indio City Manager Dan Martinez is the latest local official to be featured in a non-political ad. Martinez is one of several people profiled in the College of the Desert's campaign, which features alumni's success stories. 

College of the Desert (COD) Foundation has announced that supermodel and successful entrepreneur Kathy Ireland, along with popular television host and COD alumnus Carson Daly, are lending their support to the ‘Step Up for COD’ 

College of the Desert (COD) Foundation Auxiliary is hosting a ‘Black Tie’ Chili Cook-Off, dinner, and auction on Sunday, December 4, 2011 beginning at 5:30 pm in the Mediterranean Ballroom at the Miramonte Resort and Spa, 45-000 Indian Wells Lane in Indian Wells.

I graduated from Palm Springs High in 1969 with just OK grades. I wasn't sure that College was for me. My first day of classes I was called into the College President's office, Roy McCall, where he told me that PSHS had informed them that I was a rebel rouser and a trouble maker. (I marched in PS for Civil Rights and organized the first sit-in at PSHS prior to my Junior Year.)

PALM DESERT, CA - Forty-two students and eight teachers from Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) will tour College of the Desert (COD) to learn more about what the Public Safety Academy (PSA) has to offer.

PALM DESERT, CA— A reception was held to announce the award of the 2011-2012 recipients of the Dumont Foundation Art, Architecture and Digital Design/Production Scholarships along with ...