Austin Community College is honoring the achievements of more than 1,500 students at spring commencement. That’s in addition to more than 1,000 who marked their graduation in December 2013.

The number of graduates has increased significantly in recent years, with more than 2,500 students graduating in 2012-13 – up about 59 percent over five years ago.

“Graduation is the culmination of our students’ hard work and dedication,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “Many work full time and raise families while completing their education, and ACC works hard to provide all the support and resources they need to reach their goals. We’re so proud of all that our students have accomplished.”

The commencement ceremony includes a special tribute to graduating veterans, who will receive medals in appreciation of their service and stand for acknowledgement during the ceremony. The graduation speaker is Dr. Dan Arvizu, director and chief executive of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Laboratory.

For more information on commencement, visit ACC’s website.