Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates 50 years of serving the Central Texas community. The college first opened its doors on September 17, 1973.

In honor of its golden anniversary, ACC will host a week of campus events and activities starting  Sunday, September 17. 

Sunday, September 17 | GO PURPLE

ACC invites the community to join in the celebration! Please share in the celebration by wearing Riverbat gear or PURPLE clothing and inviting others to do so. Beginning Sunday, September 17, ACC campuses will LIGHT UP PURPLE. We’re inviting area businesses and communities to join us in turning their lights purple, too.

Snap a photo and tag us @ACCDistrict and use #GoPurple. We can’t wait to see all the PURPLE! 

Monday, September 18 – Friday, September 22 | HOMECOMING WEEK

During Homecoming Week, ACC campuses across the district will hosts a series of activities and events designed for Riverbat students and employees to celebrate being a part of ACC. Every campus will host opportunities tailored to their community during the week and each day has a special theme. 

• Monday, September 18 | 70s Vibes
• Tuesday, September 19 | We’re Golden
• Wednesday, September 20 | Tie Dye
• Thursday, September 21 | Keep Austin Weird
• Friday, September 22 | Go Purple

Wednesday, September 20 | AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER RECOGNITION 

As part of its Homecoming Week, ACC’s African American Cultural Center (AACC) hosts a special reception honoring ACC Founder and director of the AACC, Roland C. Hayes. The event, hosted at Eastview Campus, includes a surprise.

Thursday, September 21 | ACC FOUNDERS’ LUNCHEON

In appreciation of its founding leadership and employees, ACC hosts a special 50th Anniversary Founders’ Luncheon. This special invite-only event is hosted at Eatery 73 — ACC’s student-run restaurant located in the ACC Highland Campus. Food and beverages are prepared and served by ACC Culinary Arts students.

Thursday, September 21 | ALUMNI AWARDS

ACC recognizes alumni who make outstanding contributions to their professional and civic communities. The Alumni Network Advisory Council will honor winners in several categories including Distinguished Alumni Award, Alumni Service Award, Riverbat-Owned Business of the Year, Graduate of the Last Decade, and Community Leader of the Year.

Saturday, September 23 | RIVERBAT HOMECOMING FEST

The festivities culminate with a community-wide festival at ACC Highland on Saturday, September 23. “50 Years Later: A Riverbat Homecoming Fest,” is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes live performances, tours, simulations and demonstrations, panel discussions & live forums, family-friendly games and activities, and more. The free event is open to the community.

For more information, visit austincc.edu/homecoming.

Tags: 50 years, 50th Anniversary, Alumni Awards, anniversary, Founders Luncheon, Go Purple, Homecoming, Homecoming Week, Light Up Purple