Austin Community College Schedules Commencement Celebrations

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Community College is poised to recognize a record number of graduates — more than 2,900 students — expected to graduate this semester with both virtual and in-person commencement celebrations scheduled.

In addition, more than 3,200 students were invited to fall commencement in December — marking the college’s largest group of candidates in a single year, officials said. The number of spring and summer/fall graduates has increased 123 percent and 109 percent respectively over the last five years, school officials noted.

All spring graduates are invited to celebrate with both a virtual commencement celebration this spring and an in-person commencement ceremony in fall once stay-at-home orders are lifted, according to an Austin Community College advisory. The former celebration is slated to take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, in honoring those who have completed an associate degree, certificate, or high school equivalency program, officials said.

"Commencement is a time to recognize all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice our students have made," Dr. Richard Rhodes, the college system's president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. "It’s my favorite time of the year. Just because we can’t meet in person right now, doesn’t mean we won’t pause to celebrate their incredible accomplishments.."

Rhodes lauded this semester's group of graduates: "This class has been especially ambitious. They have persevered through the unexpected and stayed on track. I’m proud of their work. These students embody what it means to be a Riverbat and pursue your dreams.”

Virtual Commencement Celebration

The Austin Community College virtual commencement celebration will feature speeches, a recognition of all graduates with personalized recognition slides and a platform where graduates can enjoy a communal moment through social media.

Rev. G.V. Clark will serve as commencement speaker. Rev. Clark has been the distinguished leader of the Mount Zion Baptist church since 1970. He is recognized for creating a Family Life Center, which invests in better lives for the community.

Special videos from Rhodes, the ACC Board of Trustees, fellow graduates, faculty, and family and friends of graduates also will be shared.

The event is free and open to the public. ACC invites all to wear purple on Saturday, June 6, in honor of spring graduates.

For more information about ACC’s 2020 virtual commencement celebration, visit austincc.edu/commencement.

About Austin Community College

Austin Community College is a nationally recognized two-year college serving Central Texas. ACC is focused on student success and providing affordable, flexible pathways to help students reach their education goals, learn new job skills, or advance their career. The college currently enrolls more than 70,000 students annually.