Tammie McDonald has a message for her fellow ACC students: don’t give up.

“It was a long road to get here,” said McDonald as she prepared to accept her degree in addictions counseling at ACC’s spring commencement. “But with perseverance, you’ll get your reward.”

McDonald was among more than 2,000 ACC students eligible to graduate this spring. Nearly 500 took part in the ceremony at the Frank Erwin Center on May 13.

“I’m thrilled and exhilarated,” said Don Livingston, who earned a degree in business management after losing his job during the economic downturn. “It took hard work and self-discipline, but it all paid off.”

The commencement speaker was Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“I congratulate each and every one of you for the determination you have demonstrated in reaching this milestone,” Dr. Wheelan told the class of 2010. “Use the skills you’ve developed to carry you down the road you’ve chosen – for that will make all the difference.”

Commencement is held each spring, ACC students are eligible to apply for graduation in summer, fall, or spring. See the graduation page for information on completing an ACC degree.