ACC graduates participate in commmencement. See end of story for slideshow and photo gallery.

Rita Escobar celebrated two milestones when she participated in Austin Community College’s 35th annual commencement exercises Thursday, May 8, at the Austin Convention Center.

Rita Escobar

“I’m celebrating my birthday,” said Escobar, adjusting her mortarboard in a mirror before the ceremony, “and all my family and friends are here to see me graduate.”

Escobar was among the 1,800 graduates who made up the class of 2008. However, not all walked the stage. About 370 students attended the ceremony to accept their associate degrees and technical certificates.

Inspired by a daughter with a learning disability, Escobar studied child development at ACC. She was awarded a certificate in her major and someday hopes to work with other children who have special needs. First, she wants to earn an associate degree at ACC.

“I love ACC,” she said. “I love the instructors. They’re so patient and so willing to help.”

Dr. Stephen Kinslow, president of ACC, opened the ceremony with a welcome to the graduates and their guests.

“You are college graduates who will now go into the workforce to become our future community leaders, educators, artists, technicians, experts in your field, and important members of society,” Kinslow told the graduates. “Our hope is that you’ll have great success and always remember the college where you got your start.”

Texas Rep. Donna Howard delivered the commencement address. She spoke to the graduates about the job growth in Austin and throughout the state, with Texas adding 13,500 jobs in March.

“You made your commitment to further your education at the right time and the right place,” Howard said, referring to ACC as the “crown jewel” of the higher education system.

Howard encouraged the graduates to become involved in the political process, as decisions that are made will have a specific impact on everyone’s lives – including public education availability and the cost of higher education.

Awards delivered at commencement included the Presidential Award, which went to students Lekeisha Chambers and Lisa Carmosino.

Chambers, a mother of three young children, served in several ACC clubs and organizations including the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. She will attend the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin – “my first choice and my dream come true,” she said.

Carmosino first began studying at ACC 22 years ago, exploring several career paths until deciding on teaching. “Teaching is my true calling, and I am committed to becoming an educator,” she said. The mother of three also belongs to Phi Theta Kappa.

Teaching Excellence Awards were presented to Patricia Dungan, associate professor of developmental writing, and Chad Cryer, adjunct professor of biology.

College officials then presented degrees and certificates to participating graduates while family and friends cheered and waited with flowers and balloons.

Thanh Nguyen, who received a degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology, perhaps summed up what all the graduates felt.

“I feel very good, very proud,” he said.

View all images from the 2008 ACC Graduation Ceremony