Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates major milestones at its 2023 spring commencement ceremony. More than 2,740 graduates are invited to participate. In addition, more than 3,500 students were invited to fall commencement in December –– making the academic year total more than 6,200 graduates.

Date: Friday, May 12
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars

Congratulate our graduates in the 2023 Spring Commencement padlet wall.

This commencement ceremony marks the college’s 50th anniversary and the last commencement ceremony for Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes.

“This evening is a moment our graduates will always remember.  It is the culmination of their work and dedication. Many overcome so much to be here. They balanced work, life, and family with their education. It isn’t easy. I am humbled by their tenacity,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes. “These graduates will go on to create a positive impact in our community. I could not be more proud to be associated with being a Riverbat.”

ACC’s celebration honors those who have completed an associate degree, workforce certificate, or high school equivalency program. The ceremony includes a tribute to graduating veterans, who are recognized with medallions to appreciate their service.

“I can’t believe I am going to be a college graduate. I have worked so hard to reach this milestone, and I am truly blessed to be here. I spent 11 years in the workforce, struggling to provide for my family. When I found my passion for helping others, I enrolled at ACC,” says Marissa Gamez, ACC Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award recipient. “As a working mother, taking virtual asynchronous courses was the only way I could obtain this degree.  I am so excited for my next steps to get a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in social work.”

Dr. Harrison Keller will deliver the keynote address. Keller is the Commissioner of Higher Education and CEO for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dr. Keller is a recognized innovator in policy and programs to improve college readiness and student success, especially for low-income and first-generation students. Under his leadership, the state advanced a strategic plan for higher education — Building a Talent Strong Texas — the first state plan to condition its goals for awarding higher education credentials on the value of those credentials to students. Before entering politics, Dr. Keller taught at Georgetown University, St. Edward’s University, and the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy from Georgetown University. 

For more information, visit austincc.edu/commencement.