Austin Community College District (ACC) highlights its 50th anniversary with “50 Years Later: A Riverbat Homecoming Fest.” Founded in 1973, ACC plays a vital role in shaping the lives of Central Texans through higher education, workforce development, and community engagement. 

50 Years Later: A Riverbat Homecoming Fest invites students, employees, alumni, former employees, and the entire community to commemorate the past and envision the future with a day of studio tours, program exhibits and demonstrations, entertainment, and live forums.

“ACC has been Austin’s cornerstone of educational and professional growth for 50 years. I am so proud of the impact the college continues to have on the community and its future,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes. “This celebration is a reflection of our continued dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education and our ongoing commitment to the people of Central Texas.  I invite you to come to ACC Highland and explore. There’s something for everyone! “

Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: ACC Highland Campus

Make It Center Grand Opening

The event will be the first time the Make It Center is open to the public. The innovative center will also celebrate its grand opening. As part of a deep collaborative effort with the Make It Movement, the interactive place allows future Riverbats a place to find their purpose. The 10,000-square-foot center provides innovative hands-on career exploration, imagination, engagement, and connection. The center will allow individuals to discover ways to make it in Central Texas by connecting interests, strengths, and income goals. 

Additional Event Highlights

• Studio and campus tours to discover ACC’s innovative facilities.
• 100+ career programs, exhibits, and faculty demonstrations.
• Performances representing the talents of ACC students and alumni.
• Engaging forums on the future, including student experience, transformative classes, and mental health.
• ACC Story project and connecting with fellow Riverbats, past and present.

To RSVP, click here. To view the full schedule of events, visit austincc.edu/homecoming.

ACC History

ACC was approved by Austin voters in December 1972. The college opened its doors on September 17, 1973, at the Ridgeview Campus with just 1,700 students. At the time, the ACC offered college credit, occupational training, adult basic education, and high school general equivalency courses. In 1975 the college opened the Rio Grande Campus, followed by its first distance education program in 1978. The first Board of Trustees was elected in 1982 after the college expanded its service area to all of Travis County. Over the next decade, ACC opened four more campuses around the Travis County area. In the following 30 years, the college grew to 11 campuses, soon to be 13, launched four bachelor’s degree programs, offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, and supports about 70,000 students and 5,000 employees annually.

Tags: 50th, 50th Anniversary, A Riverbat Homecoming Fest, Highland Campus, Homecoming Fest