Enjoy internationally inspired cuisine, live cooking competitions and an evening supporting the next generation of culinary professionals
Psychology major Emerald Moreno is inspired by a passion for understanding and interpreting others, along with a deep faith that psychology is her calling. She plans to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, minor in Spanish, and continue exploring a future in law.
After a major surgery and months of recovery, Tracey Kushner faced a decision that would reshape her future. In 2024, she returned to San Diego Mesa College determined to finish the degree she had started years earlier.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026, honoring 1,958 graduates who earned more than 2,017 academic degrees and 414 certificates. A total of 727 graduates participated in the ceremony, joined by family, friends, faculty, staff, and community supporters.
November 19, 2018
Associated Students (AS) of San Diego Mesa College kicked off the holiday season with the 5th Annual AS Thanksgiving Feast. This event, hosted by students for students, provided the Mesa community with a warm, welcoming environment to break bread together in the true spirit of Thanksgiving. This event started five years ago with a small group of students and has grown to serving over 250 students.
“We have this integration between faculty, staff, students, and programs to come together and collaborate on this event,” said Professor of Culinary Arts & Management, Michael Fitzgerald. “It’s about celebrating the spirit of who we are as humans.”
AS and Culinary Arts combined their talents to provide a fantastic meal and a festive environment for students to enjoy. Music majors and AS member Sofia Gonzalez provided live entertainment, and all student attendees were given a chance to win prizes in multiple opportunity drawings.
Several students commented that the spread prepared by Mesa Culinary Arts students was delicious. Mesa student, Juanita Ortega-Golden shared, “This is my first time coming to this event and I think it’s awesome. As the only woman in my family, I’m always the one preparing the meals. It’s nice to have someone else cook a meal for me. I feel appreciated today.”
Based on student smiles, comments, and the overall atmosphere, it was clear that this event made the intended impact. Victoria Miller, Dean of Student Affairs, expressed the heart behind this Thanksgiving feast. She said, “It gives students the opportunity to set aside the hustle and bustle of school, work and everyday stressors, and enjoy the community feel of Mesa College.”
Please enjoy the Thanksgiving Feast video and the photo album.
Tags: Culinary Arts, Associated Students, AS Thanksgiving Feast
Jennifer Nichols Kearns
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759
Enjoy internationally inspired cuisine, live cooking competitions and an evening supporting the next generation of culinary professionals
Second-year student Zora Williams is using her voice to bring more mental health and nutrition programming to San Diego Mesa College. Williams was elected president of the college’s Associated Students (AS) for the 2024-2025 academic year and serves as the college’s student representative on the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees.
San Diego, CA ---- On Saturday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Mesa College will host “Jumpstart Your Success.” Jumpstart is a FREE community event for prospective Mesa College students of all ages. Students and their families can learn about Mesa College programs and services, including the San Diego Promise, which offers free tuition to eligible students. Families can learn more and should RSVP at www.sdmesa.edu/Jumpstart.
