This regular feature recognizes achievements, activities, and accolades of Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty and staff. To submit news or suggestions, see the contact information below.

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Renee Esparza, ACC Transfer Resources director, received the Bonita C. Jacobs Transfer Champion — Rising Star Award by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS). The award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions in the early stages of their careers, creating or improving programming that is responsive to the specific transfer student population and shows evidence of success. She was honored at its annual conference held virtually February 23-25.

Tracie Miller-Nobles, ACC Accounting associate professor and consumer financial education advocate for the American Institute of CPAs, was quoted in a U.S. News and World Report article entitled "A Guide to Educational Tax Credits and Deductions."

Dr. Sarah H. Porter, ACC completion counselor and adjunct professor, presented at the annual American College Personnel Association Convention. Her March 9 presentation was entitled "Self-Compassion in Student Affairs: Caring for Yourself While Helping Others."

Do you know a faculty or staff member who has accomplished something notable outside the classroom or in their community? We want to hear about them. Contact Vicky Garza Gonzalez at victoria.garza@austincc.edu.