Entries filed under the ‘Official ACC Press Releases’ Category
The Austin Community College District declared its commitment to environmental stewardship on Thursday, November 19, with the Great Big Green Get-Together at Rio Grande Campus. The event provided details on the college’s sustainability initiatives, renewable energy courses, and other ways the community can reduce its impact on the environment.
ACC dedicates its first green building, the Rio Grande garage.
“The Green Get-Together gave us an opportunity to spread the word about the work we are doing at ACC to promote sustainability,” says Andy Kim, the college’s director of environmental stewardship. “We are proud of the initiatives we’ve implemented so far and look forward to upholding our commitment to go green.”
Austin Energy recognized ACC for earning a 3-star Green Building rating for the Rio Grande Campus parking garage, which opened this semester. Austin Energy awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings.
The garage team managed to divert 80 percent of construction waste from landfills for reuse or recycling. Almost all of the construction materials came from within Texas, reducing transportation expenses, fuel consumption, and pollution. The construction materials included 40 percent recycled content. A south-facing glass storefront reduces the need for electric lighting and saves energy.
“A 3-star rating is very impressive for a parking garage,” says Liana Kallivoka, with Austin Energy’s Green Building program. “It shows real dedication to sustainability. Austin Energy is excited to work with ACC as the college continues its sustainable construction efforts.”
The college’s other sustainability initiatives include Green Pass, a pilot program that begins in January and provides Capital Metro bus passes to students and employees at no cost to them. Capital Metro was on hand at the November 19 event to answer questions about its service and help students determine the best ways to get campus to campus. Austin’s Bicycle Sport Shop was also there to talk with students about how to efficiently and safely navigate the roads.
Posted on 11/19/2009 in ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
The Austin Community College District is declaring its commitment to environmental stewardship on Thursday, November 19, with the Great Big Green Get-Together at Rio Grande Campus. The event will provide details on the college’s sustainability initiatives, renewable energy courses, and other ways the community can reduce its impact on the environment.
“Every small step can make a big difference,” says Andy Kim, ACC’s director of environmental stewardship. “We want to do our part to promote sustainability and to make it easy for students, faculty, and staff to get on board. We need everyone’s help to create a sustainable ACC.”
The college’s efforts include Green Pass, a pilot program that begins in January and provides Capital Metro bus passes to students and employees at no cost to them. Capital Metro will be on hand at the November 19 event to answer questions about its service and help students determine the best ways to get campus to campus. Want to commute to ACC on a bike? Austin’s Bicycle Sport Shop will be there to talk with students about how to efficiently and safely navigate the roads.
During the Great Big Green Get-Together, Austin Energy will recognize ACC for earning a 3-star Green Building rating for the Rio Grande Campus parking garage, which opened this semester. Austin Energy awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings.
Click here to find out find out more about ACC’s commitment to sustainability. You can also visit austincc.edu/sustainability.
Posted on 11/18/2009 in ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | 2 Comments »
Austin Community College’s Mobile Go Center is headed to San Marcos. The center, equipped to supply information on the college’s programs and even register students for classes, will visit the H-E-B store at 641 East Hopkins St. on Thursday, November 19, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Through a partnership with H-E-B, the Mobile Go Center enables ACC to share information about its services directly with the communities the college serves. ACC representatives staffing the Mobile Go Center can provide details about college programs and degrees, registration, and financial aid (including installment payment plans). Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or you’re ready to train for a new career, ACC can help you achieve your goals.
The Mobile Go Center is making stops across the area in the coming months, including a second stop in San Marcos in March 2010.
Posted on 11/18/2009 in ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
The Austin Community College Choral Department is ready to take you on a nostalgic trip to the 1940s. The choir will present the Broadway musical “The 1940’s Radio Hour” at Austin’s One World Theatre November 17-19.
The show replicates a 1942 live radio broadcast, complete with vocal jazz numbers, an onstage big band, commercials, and mystery theater. Proceeds from “The 1940’s Radio Hour” will help ACC choral students cover the cost of a trip to perform at Carnegie Hall next spring.
“This is a very exciting time for our choir program,” says Dr. Jim Shepherd, associate professor of music and ACC choir director. “Students will have the experience of performing in a beloved musical at One World Theatre and then the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall.”
ACC is among a select few community college ensembles that will perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2010.
“1940’s Radio Hour” Performance Schedule:
- Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 18 at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, November 19 at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased by following the link at austincc.edu/choral. Admission is $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for seniors, children, and students. Matinee performances are free for students and seniors.
One World Theatre is located at 7701 Bee Cave Road in Austin. More information at www.OneWorldTheatre.org.
Posted on 11/10/2009 in ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | 2 Comments »
Danish students at ACC
The Austin Community College District hosted 23 Danish students for a taste of life in the Texas capital. ACC created a program for the group called “Uniquely Austin,” which combines Texas-themed classes with field trips around the city and state.
The students wrapped up their stay on November 6 after spending a month at ACC, taking Texas literature and history classes along with a civil rights history course and video game development classes. They documented their experiences with photographs and video.
The students get into the UT football game
Halloween on Sixth Street was a favorite among the students.
“In Denmark, we have something similar to Halloween, but only the kids dress up,” said student Søren Elmely Pettersson. “Downtown Austin was packed with thousands of people in crazy costumes. It was awesome. It’s something I will remember with joy for many years to come.”
Students also attended a UT football game.
“It’s been very interesting to see the students’ reactions to our culture,” says ACC’s Katrina Gadison, who helped coordinate the program. “What seems normal to us is an adventure for them – it’s like discovering what’s so neat about Austin all over again.”
This is the third year Danish students have participated in “Uniquely Austin.”
Posted on 11/03/2009 in ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
Austin Community College and the Mexican American Cultural Center are co-hosting The Big Read Closing Ceremony and Day of the Dead Celebration on Sunday, November 1, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), 600 River St.
The all-ages celebration features live entertainment from the ACC Dance Department as well as exhibits of children’s artwork and Day of the Dead altars inspired by the featured Big Read book, “Sun, Stone, and Shadows,” a Mexican short story collection. The event is free and open to the public.
“We hope readers of all ages who joined us for all or part of this unforgettable experience will come out for this last big celebration,” says Lyman Grant, dean of the ACC Arts and Humanities Division, which partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts to bring The Big Read to Austin.
The Big Read is a national initiative to encourage reading for pleasure.
ACC began The Big Read of “Sun, Stone, and Shadows” on Mexican Independence Day, September 16, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The book is a collection of short stories by Mexican authors and speaks to the college’s awareness of and commitment to the region’s growing Hispanic community.
“Everyone is aware on some level of Mexico’s powerful contribution to Austin’s cultural life. With The Big Read, and this book in particular, we want to emphasize the depth and breadth Mexico’s literary richness and its importance to all Austin citizens,” Grant says.
ACC hosted 55 different Big Read events over seven weeks, according to Spanish Professor Rosa Dávila, who coordinated the program for the college.
“Our main goal was to encourage people to read,” Dávila says. “Our partners, our students at ACC, and the general public have welcomed with open arms our program and the message that we are promoting.”
People of all ages participated in The Big Read, with events held at the MACC, the Austin Public Library, and area schools and bookstores.
“I believe that our greatest accomplishment has been the interest and excitement that this program has created in the community,” Dávila says. “It has crossed barriers of race, generation, and language.”
Dávila gives special thanks to the partners, volunteers, and participants for making The Big Read an unforgettable experience.
“It is a great feeling to know that Austin’s community has embraced our mission of bringing culture and reading closer to them,” she says.
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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”
Posted on 10/30/2009 in ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
The ACC Drama Department’s production of “Under the Gaslight” opened Friday, October 30, at the Rio Grande Campus Mainstage Theater. Performances are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 8.
Performance Schedule:
- Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m.
- Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m.
Augustin Daly’s “Under the Gaslight: A Totally Original and Picturesque Drama of Life and Love in These Times” is set in 1867 New York. A young woman is jilted by her lover when he discovers that she was adopted into a family of high society and actually comes from humble beginnings. She runs away and comes under the control of the play’s villain, which sets off a dramatic sequence of events.
The production features a cast of 24, nine locations, and live music. Images are available upon request.
Rio Grande’s Mainstage Theater is located at 1212 Rio Grande Street, on the second floor of the main building. Admission: suggested donation of $6.
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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”
Posted on 10/29/2009 in ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Banner Stories, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
Faculty with the Austin Community College District’s Division of Arts and Humanities now have work on display in Texas Performing Arts’ Bass Concert Hall.
The 2009 ACC Faculty Show features 39 pieces of art from 39 faculty artists. The show includes paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, textiles, clay, metalwork, and sculpture.
The Bass Concert Hall is located at the corner of Robert Dedman Drive and 23rd Street. The show’s opening reception is scheduled for Friday, October 30 from 6 – 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
This is the third time ACC faculty artwork has been shown in Bass Concert Hall. The works will be on display in the lobby through January 15.
For more information, call 223-3262.
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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”
Posted on 10/29/2009 in ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
The Austin Community College District is looking for a mascot – and we want your input! The college is asking students, faculty/staff, and the community to contribute mascot ideas.
“We think this is going to build school spirit and give ACC a lasting tradition,” says Avy Gonzalez, Student Government Association Parliamentarian and co-chair of the mascot search committee. “It’s cool to be part of something that will have a big impact at ACC long after we finish school.”
The college set up a web page, austincc.edu/mascot, to take suggestions. Ideas submitted so far include bats, armadillos, and owls – along with some more irreverent suggestions. The public will vote on the mascot in the spring. The top vote-getter will be presented to the college for review and board approval.
“We’re looking for something that genuinely resonates with the community,” says Brette Lea, executive director of Public Information and College Marketing and co-chair of the mascot committee. “It is so important to build a college-going culture, and the mascot will be a key part of that. A mascot creates a sense of excitement tied to education and makes people feel more connected to the college.”
ACC will be at the Texas Book Festival at the State Capitol this weekend to take your mascot suggestions. Visit ACC’s tent near 10th and Congress on Saturday, October 31 (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, November 1 (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
You can also submit suggestions through December 4 at austincc.edu/mascot. The page includes links to follow the search on Facebook and Twitter.
In researching the college’s history, it was discovered that at one point ACC did have a mascot – an eagle, with school colors of black and gold. That lasted for a short period of time in the 1970s.
“We want to be very thorough in the search process, so that we find a mascot that really takes root,” says Lea. “Who knows, the eagle may make a comeback.”
The mascot search is a collaboration of the Student Government Association, Student Life, and the Public Information and College Marketing Department.
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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”
Posted on 10/29/2009 in ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
In an affirmation of the Austin Community College District’s financial strength, Standard & Poor’s has raised the college’s bond rating from A to AA-. That is an increase of two rating levels.
“This is a testament to the college’s financial strength, at a time when much of the nation’s economy is in a recession,” says Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. “We are responsibly managing the funds entrusted to us by district taxpayers and students.”
Standard & Poor’s says the upgrade reflects ACC’s consistently strong financial operations, increasing enrollment, and a tax base that has grown due to the college’s recent annexation of Round Rock into the district.
The AA- rating makes ACC eligible for lower interest rates on the college’s bond issues. Standard & Poor’s also gave the AA- rating and stable outlook to the college’s 2009 revenue and refunding bonds, worth nearly $40 million. Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, those bonds will be used to help the college “land bank” – the process of seeking land purchase opportunities in areas where the college may grow.
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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”
Posted on 10/26/2009 in ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases | No Comments »
