Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates more than 2,740 graduates at its Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony. This commencement ceremony marks the college’s 50th anniversary.

Friends and family are invited to congratulate students Friday, May 12, at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

Read the stories of some of our accomplished graduates below and find out who they would like to recognize for their support.

Marissa Gámez

Marissa Gámez is the spring 2023 Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award recipient. 

Tell us about your time at ACC. 
I am not only an upcoming ACC graduate but also a full-time ACC employee with our Upward Bound program and formally a Financial aid Counselor in Student Affairs. I have been afforded the pleasure and privilege of becoming familiar with the student experience as both a student and employee, allowing me to help improve our processes for all. I am a non-traditional student who found my passion for helping others through experiencing life in the workforce for 11 years, struggling to provide for my family, and searching for my purpose. I found that I am passionate about helping others and providing resources to help them succeed. Through this realization, I decided to pursue my degree in social work.

What was your favorite part of ACC?
The collaboration! As both a student and employee, I’ve been able to have my voice heard about different opportunities we have as a college to improve the student experience. I love the flexibility of my schedule and how ACC offers many classes in various formats to fit my needs. As a working mother, taking virtual asynchronous courses was the only way I could obtain this degree. 

Any faculty or staff you want to recognize supporting you? 
Kendra Singletary has been my advisor since I considered returning to college in 2018. She was so patient with me and encouraging. She made me feel like I belonged here even though I initially thought I didn’t because of my age and didn’t do well in college 15 years ago when I began. She was never pushy; she was reassuring and wanted to work with my schedule. She encouraged me to talk about my goals for the future. I told her I wanted to go to the University of Texas. Kendra was very open about what I needed to do to reach that goal. Kendra helped keep me motivated and encouraged me throughout my semester. She was always ready and willing to set up a time to speak with me about my schedule and goals. I don’t know what I would do without Kendra. She is the reason I decided to pursue my degree. 

What is next for you? 
I have applied to The University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work. I plan to earn my bachelor’s and then a master’s in social work. I have also applied to Angelo State University to explore online options to pursue my degree in a way that works for my schedule. 

Read the full interview HERE.

Nelsie Nash

Nelsie Nash is completing her degree in Business.

Tell us about your time at ACC.
As a Filipino immigrant student, I have found both challenges and joy in learning Math, Science, Government, and U.S. History. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country, culture, and education system, I gain comfort and inspiration in the classroom. I have discovered that learning can be both fun and enriching, especially when surrounded by supportive professors and fellow students who encourage me to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge myself. I have gained knowledge in the courses I have taken and a deeper understanding and appreciation of American culture and history, which has helped me feel more connected to my new home. Overall, my time as an immigrant student at Austin Community College has been a joyful and rewarding experience I will carry with me as I continue my academic journey.

Any faculty or staff you want to recognize supporting you?
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to my academic advisor Sarah Piechowicz and professor, Deborah Hoag. Sarah has been instrumental in guiding me toward finishing my associate degree. Her thoroughness and clarity have been invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of academic life. When it comes to the most supportive professors I’ve had at ACC, Professor Hoag is the outstanding one. She is very kind, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about U.S. and Texas Government, which I really appreciate given that I’m an immigrant. She shared her knowledge with us and extended her support to my application for the Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award. These two individuals are a big part of my academic success at ACC, and I will always be thankful for their contributions to my education. 

What is next for you?
I am excited about my plan to continue my education after graduating with my associate degree from ACC. My goal is to transfer to either the University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University to earn a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. I believe this will give me the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in marketing. After obtaining my degree, I see myself as a marketing manager in a prestigious company. This career path aligns with my passion for creativity, strategy, and communication, and I am determined to achieve my goals through hard work and dedication. I am eager to learn all that I can and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way to make my dreams a reality.

Read the full interview HERE.

Ariel Soliz-Washington

Ariel Soliz-Washington came to ACC through support from the college’s partnership with Capital IDEA, which provides personalized assistance and support to eligible students. She will be graduating as a registered nurse.

Tell us about your time at ACC.
It initially became a tool for me to get ahead in university. Then, it became my choice of where I wanted to pursue my education in nursing. The Accelerated Nursing Track program has not been easy. Going through instructors that weren’t the most helpful in guiding my education or having to give updates on the program at the last moment are things that I had adapted to through the program. By leaning on God, my friends, and my family for support and being in the Capital IDEA organization, I could persevere and see the end of the finish line!

Any faculty or staff you want to recognize supporting you?
Professor Levy, Professor Latham, Professor Hamade, and Professor Jackson all have a special place in my heart. Through each stage in this program, they have played an important role for me in guidance and making this experience a lot easier. 

What is next for you?
I want to pursue my BSN degree after getting into a great work routine, as I have acquired a position with Dell Seton starting in June. This is just the beginning!

Read the full interview HERE.

Sarai Anzaldo Hudson

Sarai Anzaldo Hudson came to ACC through support from the college’s partnership with Capital IDEA, which provides personalized assistance and support to eligible students.

In 2018, I was a part of Capital Idea and was overjoyed to continue my prerequisites for the Dental Hygiene program. Mrs. Sara Hernandez and career navigators Lori and Damiana were always encouraging and supportive. I like that ACC has incorporated ACCelerators, where I spent much time studying. They have many services and support, and I am extremely grateful to be an ACC student. It took me 5 years to complete prerequisites while working and 2 years in the Dental Hygiene program.  I plan to pursue a bachelor’s in the near future at Texas Woman’s University.

Read the full interview HERE.

Magdalene Kweshe

Magdalene Kweshe is originally from Cameroon. She is married with four kids between the ages of 11 and 4. After moving to the U.S. in July 2014, Magdalene began at ACC in fall 2018. She will be graduating as a registered nurse.

Tell us about your time at ACC.
I started at ACC by taking the TSI, and I didn’t pass the math part of it. So, I had to take developmental math. At first, I was frustrated, but that laid a strong foundation for me — I didn’t have any problems with pharmacology and dosage calculations. After my prerequisite, I applied to the nursing program in December 2020 but wasn’t accepted. That felt horrible, especially because I had everything planned out. I was sad for a while but while waiting for the next application, I decided to take some BSN classes. And as God may have it, with the next application, there was the opportunity for the Accelerated Nursing Track program (ANT), which is 18 months. I applied for it and was accepted, and here I am, graduating in May after 18 months. Was it an easy journey for me? I will say no because it was fast, and having kids under 10 years and doing this wasn’t easy, but ACC offers many resources that helped me navigate through successfully.

Any faculty or staff you want to recognize supporting you?
I would like to recognize Sarah Garcia-Portillo, the academic tutor in the Nursing department. She helped me so much with how to study, answer NCLEX-style questions, and use resources; her encouragement was uplifting. You don’t have to be failing to meet with her. She is the go-to person if you need tips to succeed in nursing school.

What is next for you?
Start making the money, haha. I am also considering getting my BSN, and as I said earlier, I have already taken some of the courses.

Read the full interview HERE.