Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates the accomplishments of 2,800+ graduates with a virtual spring graduation. Combined with the 3,400+ graduates being recognized during the fall commencement in December, this marks another record-breaking number of candidates in a single academic year.
When: Saturday, May 15
Time: Pre-Show 10 a.m., Virtual Commencement 11 a.m.
Live Stream: austincc.edu/commencement
“Even during normal times, college is challenging. This past year has tested all of us. I am so proud of everyone who persevered through all of life’s unexpected obstacles,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC chancellor. “All the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice show what it means to be a Riverbat, and I am truly humbled.”
COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION
ACC’s virtual celebration includes special videos and messages to graduates, their families and friends, and the Austin community. ACC’s commencement ceremony honors those who have completed and earned an associate degree, workforce certification, or high school equivalency program. The ceremony also includes a tribute to graduating veterans, who are recognized with medallions in appreciation of their service. Every candidate has the opportunity to customize their own personal graduation profile.
“In spite of challenging circumstances this year, all the graduates pushed through. We all come from different backgrounds, each with our own sets of challenges, opportunities, and ambitions; yet, we remained united in that pursuit of learning and education,” says Lira Ramirez, ACC Student Government Association president.
To honor graduates, ACC will install Congrats Grads! Yard signs at all ACC campuses. Graduates are invited to come out and take a picture to commemorate their accomplishments. The signs will be on display through May 18. Videos and pictures with #ACCGrads and #ACC4Everyone will appear on the district’s custom-made ACC Grads Social Wall.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Margarita “Margie” Escudero, R.N. will serve as keynote speakers. Edward Escudero is president/CEO of High Desert Capital LLC and serves as vice chairman of WestStar Bank. He was awarded the Lucy G. Acosta Humanitarian Award in 2020 for his achievements and philanthropic efforts His wife, Margie, is a member of the President’s Development Council and the Public Art Committee at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso. She also volunteers with Operation Rainbow, a nonprofit that delivers orthopedic care to children and adults in developing countries.
For more information about ACC’s 2021 virtual commencement celebration, visit austincc.edu/commencement.