ACC graduate Avy Gonzalez, center, with his family. From left: Marco, Janet, Avy, and Alex Gonzalez.
Avy Gonzalez believes in leading by example. So when his children were in seventh and ninth grades, with their college years quickly approaching, Gonzalez enrolled at Austin Community College.
“As a parent, I am constantly looking to better myself for my children,” Gonzalez says. “I have always told my boys that I never expected them to do anything I haven’t done myself, so I decided to go to college and set the example.”
Gonzalez is among the hundreds of ACC students who will be honored at the college’s spring commencement. The graduation ceremony is set for Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center (1701 Red River St.).
This spring, more than 1,300 ACC students applied for graduation. The number of graduates has increased significantly in recent years, with more than 2,600 students graduating in 2011-12 – up almost 63 percent over five years ago.
“As a college president, graduation is one of my favorite times,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “To see the pride on these students’ faces, to see the joy of their friends and family – it’s a great feeling, and we’re so proud of all that our students have accomplished.”
Gonzalez, recipient of the Presidential Student Achievement Award, accomplished many things during his time at ACC, including co-chairing the ACC Mascot Search Committee and founding the Center for Student Political Studies. Gonzalez also earned El Centro’s Raymond Díaz Scholarship for Cuban-Americans. He’ll accept his associate degree in government at this spring’s ACC commencement ceremony and a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University this summer. His greatest achievement, however, is the impact his education has had on his family.
“ACC was a way for me to show my family how much I love them and how much they inspire me,” Gonzalez says. “I am grateful to ACC for allowing me to achieve our family’s goals.”
Gonzalez’s oldest son, Marco, is now majoring in science education at ACC, while youngest son Alex has already taken two years of Early College Start classes and will continue his college education at ACC this summer.
And it’s not just the next generation: Avy’s wife, Janet, will graduate from ACC this summer with a degree in Spanish. She will continue her studies at Texas State University in the fall. Avy will also continue his education at Texas State University, in the school’s graduate program for political science.
“Avy has been such an inspiration to us. He helped us see how a good education can fulfill all our aspirations and dreams,” Janet says. “Most of all, he taught me it’s never too late to change your life or your outcome.”
Graduates and guests are invited to a post-ceremony reception at the Erwin Center. For more details on the graduation ceremony, visit austincc.edu/graduation.
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By Christina Vallee April 30, 2013 - 3:14 pm
So proud of you and your family Avy! It’s been a pleasure working with you through ACC’s many organizations. Can’t wait to walk with you next week. 🙂
By Avy Gonzalez May 3, 2013 - 10:15 am
Looking forward to being there with you as well Christina!
By sonia April 30, 2013 - 5:53 pm
what an inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!
By Avy Gonzalez May 9, 2013 - 9:24 am
Thank you Sonia 🙂
By Adriana Grande April 30, 2013 - 6:29 pm
Truly inspirational. I hope more families will follow your example.
By Avy Gonzalez May 9, 2013 - 9:24 am
Thank you Adriana, you very kind. 🙂
By Susan May 1, 2013 - 3:34 pm
Great story. Congrats to all of you:) I think your family should start an organization/movement that empowers entire families to lift themselves up together through education!
By Avy Gonzalez May 9, 2013 - 9:23 am
Thanks Susan, that’s a great idea 🙂
By Angello May 1, 2013 - 7:46 pm
My mom is doing the same thing, with english learned as a second language in her 50’s. She’s just finished her ESOL class less than 2 years ago and is now less than 3 months to finish her associate’s. So, what’s the big deal in this case? maybe she should also get one of those “Presidential Student Achievement Award.” 🙂 I bet if this guy wouldn’t be involved in any Acc’s committee, he would’t get this whole article. Stop rewarding normal stuff people!
By James V May 10, 2013 - 12:07 pm
There are enough congratulations to go around. Cheers to everyone completing their respective life goals. Do not hate; at the end of the day, everyone is succeeding.
By Sharla Ekvall May 5, 2013 - 1:10 pm
Congratulations! I, too, went back to school after being a stay-at-home mom for many years. I will be at graduation this Thursday night to receive my Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching! I’m 56 years old! It’s never too late!!!!
By Avy Gonzalez May 9, 2013 - 9:23 am
That’s awesome Sharla! Congradulations on your hard work. See ya Thursday!
By Llewellyn Crispin May 8, 2013 - 9:17 am
I am a father of two boys myself and this story is inspiring to me. It will help me get through the hard times and I thank ACC for putting this story up on the website.
By Avy Gonzalez May 9, 2013 - 9:25 am
Hang in there my friend….
By Kimberly Rhodes May 9, 2013 - 10:25 am
I am a 40 year mother attending ACC Round Rock with my 20 year old daughter and my 21 year old son. It has been a fun and wonderful experience achieving my goals with my children along my side. I am looking forward to the day when we all graduate and can say we did it together.
By Cynthia Manor May 14, 2013 - 6:25 pm
That is awesome!
By Jared May 13, 2013 - 1:40 pm
what a cute family!