Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus has announced Geoffrey Demke as its Outstanding Graduate for 2024. A resident of Indio, Demke will receive a bachelor of arts degree in history at the CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.
Demke's journey to college graduation was not straightforward. His parents withdrew him from school during his fifth-grade year to homeschool him, a period during which he spent much of his time working with his father in tile and stonework. He returned to traditional schooling during his junior year of high school, a transition he found extremely challenging.
“The accomplishment that I am most proud of is that I will be graduating from CSUSB this week with a 4.0 GPA. That is something I never thought possible,” said Demke.
During his tenure at the Palm Desert Campus, Demke was an active participant in community service and campus events. He served as a College Corps Fellow and held the position of vice president of the History Club at PDC. He also played soccer with the PDC Soccer Club and attended every Career Pathways event this academic year – a collaboration between PDC and the World Affairs Council of the Desert aimed at introducing students to various post-graduation career opportunities.
Demke expressed gratitude for those who have inspired and encouraged him throughout his educational journey. “My wife Niccole, who got her degree while we were together, inspires and pushes me. My daughter Allison, who is now 10, continues to inspire me,” he said.
Dr. Priscilla Porter and Dr. Michael Karp are among several mentors at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus who have positively impacted Demke's life.
“Dr. Karp has always listened to my questions or concerns...He has shown me the impact a great teacher can make," said Demke about one of his mentors. "Dr. Porter has helped me unlock my potential working with young students and has also pushed me to become better."
Despite the support he has received, Demke admits to struggling with anxiety. He had to overcome feelings of being too old for college and find a balance between his academic commitments, part-time job, service hours for College Corps, and family responsibilities.
CSUSB Palm Desert Campus history professor Michael Karp spoke highly of Demke. “In all my time at PDC, I have never had the opportunity to work with a student who works as hard as Geoffrey and earnestly engages with campus and community events and volunteer opportunities,” said Karp.
Demke is proud of his journey at CSUSB. “I have loved everything about this school. It has changed my life. I am happier. I am more positive. I feel like I belong here. I am a Coyote,” he said.
The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, teaching credentials, certificates, and plays a crucial role in educating the region’s growing population.
For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Strategic Communication at [email protected] or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.