Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates more than 3,300 graduates at its spring 2025 commencement ceremony. Friends and family are invited to congratulate students at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park on Friday, May 16.

Dana Crouse-Garza’s road to graduation has been anything but traditional. Starting at ACC in fall 2023, she balanced a full-time job with part-time studies. Now, she’s getting ready to complete the College’s American Sign Language Studies Level 1 Certificate in May 2025.

“My ASL journey has been both unique and challenging,” says Dana. “I work full time and take one class at a time. My educational journey is ongoing and will take a bit longer than most, but I’m deeply committed.”

Dana currently works as a Deaf Support Specialist at a local high school and is proud to be pursuing her goals in her 50s. 

“Learning is lifelong, and age is never a barrier. Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this path,” she says. “I started at ACC because of its reputable ASLIT program. I am grateful for the ASL lab and professors who support me along the way.” 

Dana describes the feeling of getting ready to graduate as simply—but appropriately—“Accomplished.”

Up next, she plans to continue her interpreter training and work toward a degree. Her advice to other students:

“Do it. Don’t let any excuse stop you. Even if you take just one class a semester, you’re still moving forward towards your goal.”

Tags: American Sign Language, ASL, Congrats Grads!, Spring 2025 Commencement, Spring 2025 Graduation