The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees welcomed its newly elected trustee and recognized its outgoing board member during the January 14 regular session.

The Honorable Gregorio Casar swore in recently elected trustee Stephanie Gharakhanian. Gharakhanian won the run-off election in December. She is a first-generation American and is a lawyer for the nonprofit Workers Defense Project.

"I am here because I think everyone in our community should have the opportunity to have an accessible and affordable higher education," says Gharakhanian. "Everyone in our community should have the opportunity to have a good job that pays decent wages. I'm really excited to work with all of you."

Gharakhanian replaces outgoing trustee Dr. Betty Hwang for place 8. Hwang served on the board for six years and retired to spend more time with family. ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes presented Hwang with a certificate of appreciation.

"I'm so fortunate to have had this opportunity. This board works together to achieve one common goal: to build success for our students," says Hwang. "We are here to serve the students. I really appreciate the opportunity."

The board also elected Gigi Edwards Bryant as Chair, Mark Williams as Vice Chair, and Nora de Hoyos Comstock as Secretary.

Swearing-in ceremonies for other recently re-elected trustees, Dr. Barbara Mink and Julie Ann Nitsch, were in December.

ACC Trustees serve six-year terms and are elected at-large by registered voters who live within the ACC District, which includes the City of Austin as well as the Austin, Leander, Manor, Del Valle, Round Rock, Elgin, and Hays school districts.

See other items discussed and a video of the proceedings on the Board Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Recordings webpage.