ACC celebrates record high graduation numbers at Spring Commencement

Graduation and completion numbers up almost 52 percent over the past five years.

Austin Community College (ACC) will celebrate record high graduation numbers at spring commencement 6 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Frank Erwin Center (1701 Red River St.). More than 2,100 students are invited to participate.

"Our students leave ACC with a solid educational foundation," says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. "Commencement is the time we pause to celebrate their successes and their personal accomplishments and growth. This evening represents the culmination of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice."

The commencement ceremony honors those who completed ACC's associate degree, certificate, and high school equivalency programs. Those numbers are up almost 52 percent over the past five years.

"We're seeing strong growth which is great for our community, but more importantly, data show we're closing disparity gaps," says Dr. Guillermo "Willie" Martinez, ACC Student Engagement and Analytics associate vice president. "The number of awards for Hispanic and African American students is up 75 and 50 percent, respectively."

Combined with the transfer rate, the college is No. 1 in the state among large community college peers in Texas. Success rates are expected to continue climbing with the implementation of Guided Pathways.

Dr. Rhodes discusses ACC's graduation and completion numbers in the President's Podcast — May edition.

For more information about spring commencement or to watch the ceremony live, visit austincc.edu/commencement.

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