Watch Live: Austin Community College Graduates Record Number

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Community College will graduate a record high number of students during its spring commencement on Friday.

More than 2,100 students will participate in the ceremony scheduled Friday at 6 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St.

The record number of students graduating on Friday is reflective of a years-long growth trend, ACC officials pointed out. Graduation and completion number rates at ACC are up nearly52 percent over the past five years, according to school officials. Combined with the transfer rate, the college system is No. 1 in the state among large community colleges statewide, officials added.

“Our students leave ACC with a solid educational foundation,” Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO, said in a prepared statement. “Commencement is the time we pause to celebrate their successes and their personal accomplishments and growth. This evening represents the culmination of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.”

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The commencement ceremony honors those who have completed ACC’s associate degree, certificate, and high school equivalency programs. The ceremony includes a tribute to graduating veterans, who are recognized with medallions in appreciation of their service.

Dr. Philip ‘Uri’ Treisman will deliver the keynote address. Treisman is a University Distinguished Teaching Professor, professor of mathematics and professor of public affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the founder and executive director of the University’s Charles A. Dana Center. Among his many recognitions, Treisman was named a MacArthur Fellow in 1992 for his work in nurturing minority student achievement in postsecondary mathematics. In 1996, he was named Scientist of the Year by the Harvard Foundation.

For more information about ACC’s spring commencement or to watch the live stream, visit austincc.edu/commencement.