Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates a milestone moment for thousands of students at its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 16. More than 3,300 graduates are invited to walk the stage, capping a historic academic year in which more than 7,200 students completed a degree or certificate. It marks the College’s largest graduating class, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year.

ACC’s spring graduates include those completing associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce certificates, and high school equivalency programs. Among the graduates this semester, the College will recognize the following:  

  • 59 potential new Manufacturing Technicians
  • 42 potential new Automotive Technicians
  • 185 potential new Nurses
  • 26 potential new Dental Hygienists
  • 30 potential new HVAC Technicians

Additionally, 64 students — including the first six students from the new Cybersecurity program — will potentially graduate with a bachelor’s degree through one of the College’s four bachelor’s programs, a growing opportunity that continues to expand access to high-demand careers.

Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony
Date: Friday, May 16
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars

Hear From Our Graduates

The graduates represent the spirit and diversity of Central Texas — from working parents and first-generation college students to career changers and lifelong learners. Their achievements highlight ACC’s expanding impact in college completion, career preparation, and economic mobility.

Many of this year’s graduates overcame significant personal and professional obstacles to reach this point — and now, they are entering the workforce, transferring to top institutions, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

“This degree is more than a credential. It’s a symbol of resilience, growth, and the support I found within the ACC community. This moment represents more than academic progress — it’s proof that persistence pays off, even when the journey takes longer than expected,” says Brittany Sifford. “Before returning to school, I spent nearly a decade navigating health challenges while working in the service industry. I was just trying to stay afloat and searching for a way forward. When the pandemic hit, I was laid off — what felt like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise.” Brittany was the only community college student selected for a prestigious Software Engineering internship at Q2, a major Austin-based fintech company. Read more of Brittany’s story HERE.

“I used to think I was average. ACC helped me realize I’m capable of more than I ever imagined,” says Rikki Ehrhart. “A few years ago, I was feeling lost. Now, I’m leading, creating, coding, and walking the stage as the Chancellor Student Achievement Award winner. Being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa changed everything — it helped me realize I was a leader. From there, I just kept saying yes to growth.” Rikki landed a Software Engineering Apprenticeship Visa. She will do this while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree at ACC. Read more of Rikki’s story HERE.

“I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, with a nursing degree at that. I have faced many challenges — from financial struggles, pregnancy, and mental fatigue — to get to this point. So to sum it up, I’m proud of myself for graduating,” says Gabriella Brown. “I knew I wanted a nursing program with real, hands-on training. ACC gave me that. It offered me many resources. The most amazing ones have been my professors in the nursing program.” Gabriella will begin working as a labor and delivery nurse at St. David’s Medical Center. Read more of Gabriella’s story HERE.

“I dropped out of high school as a teen, earned my diploma through a self-paced program, and spent years working full-time. I thought academia just wasn’t for me,” says Shea Trumeter. “Without child care scholarships, I wouldn’t have been able to succeed. ACC has changed my life, given me a newfound meaning and purpose, and helped me believe in myself. I’ve surpassed my own understanding of what I was capable of and have a newfound confidence.” Shea recently helped launch the first-ever National Women’s Underwater Torpedo Exhibition. Read more of Shea’s story HERE.

For more information about the commencement ceremony, visit austincc.edu/commencement.