Austin Community College (ACC) will recognize more than 2,900 students who are expected to graduate this semester. In addition, more than 3,200 students were invited to fall commencement in December, marking the college’s largest group of candidates in a single year. 

The number of spring and summer/fall graduates has increased 123 and 109 percent respectively over the last five years.

All spring graduates are invited to celebrate with both a virtual commencement celebration this spring and an in-person commencement ceremony in fall once stay-at-home orders are lifted.

The virtual celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, and honors those who have completed an associate degree, certificate, or high school equivalency program. 

"Commencement is a time to recognize all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice our students have made. It’s my favorite time of the year.  Just because we can’t meet in person right now, doesn’t mean we won’t pause to celebrate their incredible accomplishments," says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president and CEO. "This class has been especially ambitious. They have persevered through the unexpected and stayed on track. I’m proud of their work. These students embody what it means to be a Riverbat and pursue your dreams.”

Virtual Commencement Celebration

ACC’s virtual commencement celebration will include speeches, a recognition of all graduates with personalized recognition slides, and a platform where graduates can enjoy a communal moment through social media. 

Reverend G.V. Clark will serve as commencement speaker. Rev. Clark has been the distinguished leader of the Mount Zion Baptist church since 1970. He is recognized for creating a Family Life Center, which invests in better lives for the community. 

Special videos from ACC President/CEO, Dr. Richard Rhodes, the ACC Board of Trustees, fellow graduates, faculty, and family and friends of graduates also will be shared.

The event is free and open to the public. ACC invites all to wear purple on Saturday, June 6, in honor of spring graduates. 

For more information about ACC’s 2020 virtual commencement celebration, visit austincc.edu/commencement.