Austin Community College District (ACC) proudly celebrated remarkable Riverbat alumni at the 2nd Annual Alumni Achievement Awards on Thursday, September 11, at the Rio Grande Campus. The event brought together employees, alumni, students, and community members to recognize graduates who are making a difference locally and beyond.
This year’s honorees were:
- Dustin Bolander – Alumni Service Award
- Jonathan Barona – Community Leader of the Year
- Michael Lofton – Distinguished Alumni Award
- Michelle McCarty – Social Impact & Innovation Award
- The Tiarras (Tori, Sophia & Tiffany Baltierra) – G.O.L.D. (Graduates of the Last Decade) Award
Each honoree’s story highlights the impact of ACC alumni across industries and communities — from entrepreneurship and social justice to healthcare, education, and the arts.
Read their inspiring stories below.
Meet ACC Alum: Dustin Bolander
Austin Community College District (ACC) is proud to recognize Dustin Bolander as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Service Award at this year’s Alumni Achievement Awards.
The Alumni Achievement Awards, created by the ACC Foundation in 2024, highlight graduates whose accomplishments exemplify ACC’s mission and values. The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni who have gone above and beyond in giving back to ACC through their time, talent, and support.
A Champion for ACC Students
Bolander has been a tireless advocate for ACC and its students. As past chair of the ACC Alumni Network Fundraising Committee, he helped raise thousands of dollars for student scholarships through his company, Clear Guidance Partners.
Beyond fundraising, Bolander has made a direct impact in the classroom. He regularly returns to ACC as a speaker and panelist for programs like Women in IT and Career Services, sharing his expertise and career insights with students who are building their futures in technology. His mentorship and encouragement provide invaluable guidance to students navigating career pathways in a fast-changing industry.
Entrepreneur and Innovator
In addition to his service to ACC, Bolander is a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder and leader of multiple ventures, including Clear Guidance Partners, Beltex Insurance, and CyberDrain. Through these companies, he has driven innovation in cybersecurity, legal technology, and IT services — all while staying committed to education, ethical leadership, and opening doors for the next generation of leaders.
Living the Spirit of Riverbat Giving
Bolander’s professional success and his service to ACC are powerful reminders of the impact alumni can have when they give back. His contributions reflect the values of community, opportunity, and innovation that define ACC.
Meet ACC Alum: Jonathan Barona
Austin Community College District (ACC) is proud to recognize Jonathan Barona as the recipient of the 2025 Community Leader of the Year Award.
The special recognition was presented to Barona at ACC’s 2nd annual Alumni Achievement Awards. The Community Leader of the Year Award highlights alumni whose work strengthens communities through service, advocacy, and social impact.
Champion for Equity and Justice
Barona brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership to his role. His equity-driven leadership is focused on shifting power to BIPOC leaders and organizations, ensuring resources and opportunities are equitably shared.
His work at the Tides Center reflects a deep commitment to advancing social justice initiatives that uplift marginalized communities.
ACC-Powered Expertise
Barona’s foundation in nonprofit leadership was shaped at ACC, where he earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Management in 2017. That experience strengthened his business and organizational skills.
Active Community Impact
Beyond his professional role, Barona is an active voice in the community. He serves on the boards of Fruitful Commons and Austin Youth River Watch, supporting programs that empower young people and advance sustainability. He also advocates for environmental justice through his service on Austin’s Zero Waste Advisory Commission, helping shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for the region.
Meet ACC Alum: Michelle McCarty
Austin Community College District (ACC) is proud to celebrate Michelle McCarty as the recipient of the 2025 Social Impact & Innovation Award at this year’s Alumni Achievement Awards.
The Alumni Achievement Awards honor graduates who embody the College’s mission and values. The Social Impact & Innovation Award recognizes alumni who are creating meaningful change through forward-thinking solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
Innovating with Compassion
McCarty is being honored for her pioneering work as an Aging in Place Specialist and End-of-Life Doula. She combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to support individuals and families navigating life’s most vulnerable moments. She co-founded ReInventing Independence, a company dedicated to helping people remain independent and dignified as they age, and leads Solace and Sage, an organization that expands access to end-of-life services.
Her approach is informed by a diverse educational journey. She holds both a bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s in School Psychology from Texas State University. After earning these degrees, McCarty saw an opportunity to build a career that focused on easing the preparation for the end of life. She recognized that the skills and credentials she was missing could be achieved through ACC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. So, she enrolled at ACC and went on to earn her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Leader and Advocate for ACC
McCarty remains deeply connected to ACC as an active member of the Workforce and Healthcare Advisory Council, where she advocates for aligning college programs with the evolving needs of healthcare and workforce development. She also contributes to the occupational therapy field through a white paper sharing evidence-based practices to improve end-of-life care.
A Vision for Dignity in Care
Through her leadership and innovation, McCarty is shaping new models of care that emphasize dignity, compassion, and holistic support.
Meet ACC Alum: The Tiarras
Austin Community College District (ACC) is proud to recognize The Tiarras — sisters Sofia, Tiffany, and Tori Baltierra — as recipients of the 2025 G.O.L.D. (Graduates of the Last Decade) Award.
The award honors alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and are already making a significant impact in their fields and communities. The special recognition was presented to The Tiarras at ACC’s 2nd annual Alumni Achievement Awards.
ACC Roots, Global Dreams
Born and raised in Austin, the Baltierra sisters proudly represent the city’s east and south side Mexican communities. Each pursued their own academic journey at ACC, studying audio technology, healthcare, and general studies, while developing their artistry and leadership. Together, they are powerful role models for Latinas and young women everywhere.
On the Rise in Music
As a band, The Tiarras have reached incredible milestones. In 2024, they took the stage at the Austin City Limits Festival, a career-defining moment that placed them alongside some of the biggest names in music. They are now recording a new album while continuing to share their artistry, passion, and determination with audiences far beyond Austin.
Their music explores themes of empowerment, pride, and resilience, resonating deeply with diverse audiences and inspiring the next generation of musicians and creatives.
Inspiring Through Education and Art
What makes The Tiarras’ story especially meaningful for ACC is how they balance artistic success with their dedication to higher education. Their journeys as students and musicians reflect ACC’s mission to create pathways to success, foster belonging, and empower individuals to pursue their dreams.
Meet ACC Alum: Michael Lofton
Austin Community College District (ACC) is proud to recognize Michael Lofton, founder and CEO of the African American Youth Harvest Foundation and the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center, with this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
The award is the highest honor presented at the College’s annual Alumni Achievement Awards and is reserved for those whose work has transformed lives and communities. The special recognition was presented to Lofton at ACC’s 2nd annual Alumni Achievement Awards.
A Leader in Community Impact
Lofton’s career is defined by service, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to equity. Through the African American Youth Harvest Foundation, Lofton provides thousands of Central Texans with wraparound services each year. These include mental health support, education programs, workforce training, and access to basic needs — all closely aligned with ACC’s mission to remove barriers and create opportunities for success.
Lofton also pioneered the state’s first Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) and went on to launch the nation’s first TRC with equine therapy. His visionary leadership brought together more than 20 nonprofits under one roof, offering holistic support for at-risk populations in the Austin area.
A Lifelong Partner to ACC
Beyond his groundbreaking work in the community, Lofton has been a steadfast partner to ACC. He has supported student scholarships through the Austin Community Foundation and continues to champion education as a powerful tool for transformation.
To learn more about all the alumni recognized at the 2025 Alumni Achievement Awards, visit alumni.austincc.edu/alumni-awards. To join ACC’s Alumni network, visit austincc.edu/alumni.
View the Alumni Achievement Awards Flickr album below.
