Congratulations to Louis Wooderts, a hospitality management student who is graduating for a second time from Austin Community College – first with a hospitality management certificate and now his associate degree in the same field.

Wooderts completed the 26-credit certificate first in order to gain a professional income and experience while he continued his studies toward a hotel and restaurant management degree. These certificates are called “stackable credentials,” because they allow career/technical students to complete milestones en route to earning the Associate of Applied Science.

“I was able to do what I love and add on to my education,” says Wooderts, who works full-time as regional service director for Emeritus Senior Living, a retirement community.

Michelle Fitzpatrick, chair of the Hospitality Management Department, saw firsthand how Wooderts got ahead faster by stacking credentials.

“Louis is a very determined student,” says Fitzpatrick. “He knew the long-term value of having this degree for his career. There were many long days, but he pushed forward with a smile and inspired the students around him.”

Wooderts credits his family for helping him earn his college degree.

“My wife cleaned out a room in the house to be my study,” he says. “She encouraged me to keep going and finish.”

To learn more about the ACC Hospitality Department visit austincc.edu/hospmgmt or call (512) 223.5274.