Grossmont College

After just two years in Grossmont College's ceramics program, student artist Alina Salyer has built an impressive portfolio of award-winning work while finding a creative community that has supported her journey.

Salyer entered the program with very limited ceramics experience. Four semesters later, she has exhibited her work at the Hyde Art Gallery, earned awards at the Del Mar Fair, and serves as president of the Grossmont College Clay Club.

Last spring, Salyer earned statewide recognition at the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts. Her work was featured on the conference program cover, she sold one of her pieces during the event, and took first place in the community college category.

"The professors at Grossmont College, like Ryan Gray, are amazing," Salyer said. "They give so many opportunities to the students, they encourage you, and they motivate you to do more. If you want to learn ceramics or sculpture, the professors here are passionate and will help you pursue what you want to do."

Salyer credits the program's facilities, resources, and faculty mentorship for helping students pursue ambitious artistic goals. Salyer said that without the ceramics program at Grossmont College, she would never have been able to exhibit her work in professional and competitive settings.

"We have the biggest ceramics studio space in Southern California," Salyer said. "When you walk in here, you are surrounded by an amazing community and a place of connection and creativity."

As president of the Grossmont College Clay Club, Salyer has helped organize the club's past two ceramic sales while encouraging other students to get involved in the program. Now, she's working to build the same community that welcomed her and inspired her to succeed as an artist.

"Ever since the first day, I have felt an immense sense of community here," she said. "Grossmont College is a place of intense creativity. It's a place of connection. You're surrounded by so much inspiration that makes you want to create and gives you a community that wants you to succeed. The ceramics studio has become a second home to me."

Grossmont College kicked off Pride Month this morning with a Pride Flag-raising ceremony honoring and celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community. This year marks the fourth time the college has raised the Pride Flag and the first ceremony supported by our newly opened on-campus Pride Center, a space dedicated to fostering connection, support, and belonging.

Relive some of our favorite moments from the 65th Annual Commencement Ceremony. Check out a selection of photo highlights on our Flickr and rewatch the entire livestream of the ceremony on the Commencement website.

📸 flickr.com/grossmontcollege
🎥 grossmont.edu/commencement

One week ago, Andrea Jarvis was the last graduate to walk across the stage at Grossmont College’s 65th Commencement Ceremony. For Jarvis, earning her degree marked the culmination of an 11-year journey defined by resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to building a better future for herself and her three children.

Jarvis first enrolled at Grossmont College in the summer of 2015 following a near-fatal car accident that left her with permanent brain damage and post-concussive syndrome. At the time, she was a single mother navigating significant life challenges while searching for a new direction.

“I just didn’t want to give up, and I didn’t want to let defeat define me,” Jarvis said. “I had my eyes on the prize the whole time.”

Over the next decade, Jarvis balanced college coursework with raising her children, recovering from her injuries, and overcoming personal hardships. Along the way, she found support through programs including First Year Experience, Justice Scholars, the Accessibility Resource Center, and CARE. She also co-founded the Parent Empowerment Club to help fellow student-parents navigate college.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Grossmont College,” Jarvis said. “I don’t know where I’d be, and I don’t want to know. Every single program here on campus is phenomenal.”

At Grossmont College, Jarvis discovered her passion for criminal justice. She graduated with three degrees: an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice, an Associate of Science in Forensic Technology, and an Associate of Arts in University Studies. She will continue her education this fall at San Diego State University, where she plans to continue her studies in criminal justice.

Beyond her own academic success, Jarvis dedicated herself to helping other students succeed. Through FYE, she served as a peer mentor to 118 first-year students, helping them connect with campus resources and navigate their transition to college.

“If you’re looking for a home, if you need connection, family, and resources, come to Grossmont College,” she said. “This is the place to start, and this is the place to finish.”

Summer session starts TODAY! 😎📚☀️

Classes begin this week, and many classes are still available. You add open sections to your schedule by registering on Self-Service. Visit grossmont.edu to finalize your summer plans at Grossmont College.

✍➡️ grossmont.edu

More than 650 graduating Griffins took to the stage today as part of Grossmont College’s 65th annual Commencement Ceremony.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓💚

Rewatch the livestream and relive all the amazing moments at grossmont.edu/commencement