Austin Community College District (ACC) is rolling out the purple carpet for more than 3,940 graduates at its Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony. This marks a record-breaking year for the number of candidates, up 5% from last fall’s graduation.

“I’m so proud to see our students achieving their dreams—it’s the best part of the year for me,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Every ceremony, more students are crossing the stage. There’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes to get every student to their finish line — whether that’s transferring to a 4-year university or starting a new career. We’re reimagining ways to support our students from how we schedule our classes to how we support basic needs like housing, child care, and food. That’s the real joy in our work and purpose.”

What Does 5% Growth Mean for the Community?
Over the past decade graduation and completion rates at ACC have steadily grown — fueling the growing workforce in Central Texas. According to College data, nearly 80% of ACC graduates live and work in the Austin area. On average, ACC graduates increase their income by 45 percent within five years of graduation. 

Among the graduates this semester, the College will recognize the following:  

  • 30+ new Manufacturing Technicians
  • 46 new Teachers & Educators
  • 249 new Nurses
  • 80 new Firefighters

“It has taken me some years to finally get here as life happens to throw curveballs. It feels amazing to complete all that I’ve worked toward! If you can just keep working at it, it’ll pay off and become something so beneficial to you and a rewarding success that you accomplished on your own and through the help of others,” says Kallie Perez, ACC English Graduate.

The fall ceremony recognizes graduates like Kallie from the summer and fall semesters. Grads who will walk the stage have completed an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, workforce certificate, or high school equivalency program. 

“It’s the best feeling in the world! (I’m) still not believing that I made it to the finish line after so long. ACC is affordable, location convenience, and classes will work for everyone, including those working full-time and needing evening classes or online courses. No matter how long it takes, get there! The end result is so worth it!” says Cecilia Aleman, ACC Business Office Technology Graduate.

Date: Thursday, December 12
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars

Read more of our graduates’ stories in the ACC Newsroom.

For more information and to leave a message of congratulations to our grads, visit austincc.edu/graduation.