Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates more than 4,440 students who were invited to walk at the College’s Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, December 11, at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park.
Read more about some of our stand-up grads below.
Meet Parker G.
This fall, Parker G. will be one of more than 4,440 students at the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony. He joined ACC in 2023 and is set to graduate with his associate degree in Government, followed by Paralegal Studies in the spring. As a first-generation American and college student, he’s already making a profound impact on campus and beyond.
This summer, Parker was one of just 24 community college students nationwide selected as a Summer Scholar at the Chautauqua Institution, a fully -funded, weeklong leadership and civic engagement program in New York. The experience opened new doors, expanded his network, and inspired the next steps of his academic journey.
Meet Zoila W.
When Zoila Walston enrolled at ACC in 2023, she wasn’t just returning to school; she was stepping into a new version of herself. Now, at 47, she’s graduating with her Associate of Arts in English, carrying the confidence and encouragement she found along the way.
“When I began, I knew I was on the right path.”
Zoila chose ACC because it offered exactly what she needed at the right time: “It was local, affordable, and a great entry point to academia.”
Like many students balancing school, life, and personal expectations, Zoila faced challenges — but she met them head-on. She had to overcome perfectionism, performance and test anxiety, time management, and overall study discipline.
Along the way, Zoila found a supportive academic community that pushed her forward. She credits the Honors Program, calling out Dr. Anne-Marie Thomas and her other Honors instructors: “They’re so supportive, encouraging, and help you believe in yourself.”
That support extended beyond the Honors classroom.
“All of my instructors have been very supportive, making themselves available to help in ways that will help me succeed. The free access to news via the New York Times has been a big help to me, as has knowing I have access to Better Help.”
Those connections and resources helped Zoila achieve more than she imagined possible.
“The accomplishments I’ve made here, both academically and in awards, [are] mainly because they pushed me to the next level and helped me see what I’m capable of.”
The road doesn’t stop here for Zoila. “I am planning to get my bachelor’s degree. I don’t know what, but I am excited for the next chapter.”
Her advice for anyone considering college: “Do it! Commit and be ‘all in.’ Education is priceless and worth the time and investment, along with all the intangibles you gain from being in an academic environment.”
Meet Nichola C.
At 54, Nichola Cotto is proving that there’s no deadline on pursuing your dreams. Nichola enrolled in ACC’s Paralegal AAS program because, as she put it, “It offered the best degree program for me.”
But getting started wasn’t easy. One of her biggest challenges was tuning out everyone who questioned her decision. “The noise of people asking me why I would want to go back to school in my 50s was something I had to push past.”
Knowing she was making the right decision for herself, despite what others said, came almost immediately.
“The very first class I took was on the road to getting here, to the finish line, next week,” Nichola says. From there, her confidence grew with every course. She took 4–5 classes each semester and surprised herself with how much she could take on: “I have pushed myself to learn new things and achieve greater things than I thought I could.”
Along the way, she found support at every turn. “Every time I had an issue, I could email, call, or visit a campus, and it was always taken care of.” She credits every faculty member she met: “All of them are unique and great in their own way. Their dedication to teaching is a blessing for me.”
After she crosses the graduation stage, she’s not slowing down. Nichola gets straight to work on her bachelor’s degree at Liberty University in January and plans to continue into law school.
For anyone hesitating to get started, Nichola’s message is simple and heartfelt: “Don’t think you have to have it all figured out before you start. Just start — it will all get clearer and clearer the closer you get to your goals.”
Meet Peach T.
When Peach T. enrolled at ACC in 2022, she wasn’t just pursuing a degree. She was searching for a place that could offer stability, support, and a chance to grow. This fall, Peach will graduate with an Associate of Arts in English, marking a major milestone in a journey defined by persistence and community.
“ACC supported me through its consistency and stability. I can always count on ACC to be there for me if I need help. If I need food, I can go to the pantry. If I’m struggling with a course, I can go to Academic Coaching. ACC is always there for me!”
That steady support helped Peach thrive academically and personally. Once uncertain of her strengths as a student, she went on to become a finalist for the Chancellor Student Achievement Award, join the Honors Program, and earn national membership in Sigma Kappa Delta.
“I was never a ‘good’ student throughout my whole schooling career, but ACC gave me the confidence and the support I needed to succeed. If I hadn’t found ACC, I would not be where I am today. I’m eternally grateful to be a Riverbat.”
Up next, Peach is transferring to Texas Tech University Online to pursue a Bachelor’s in English. She will be carrying a piece of advice she hopes future students will remember.
“My mom once told me that college is a test of stamina rather than intelligence. You will gain intelligence through showing up consistently day after day. All you have to do is show up and try.”
Celebrate All Our Grads
You can join us in celebrating all of ACC’s fall 2025 graduates by leaving them a message on our Congrats Grads Padlet Wall!
For more information, visit austincc.edu/commencement.