Austin Community College (ACC) faculty and staff who earn a new credential from another institution will soon have a special Riverbat stole to wear at graduation.

The idea originated during a meeting between all the employee associations and the President's Cabinet.

"Lifelong learning is part of who we are at ACC and we want to recognize our faculty and staff who have chosen to advance their education. We're only as strong as our employees; their victories are worth celebrating," says ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard M. Rhodes. "We hope these stoles will bring pride to the wearer."

The ACC Fashion Incubator created a design blending the Riverbat logo with renowned Southwest artist Amado Pena's artwork. The image depicts the student-teacher interaction at ACC.

ACC Fashion Design students were hired to help sew the stoles. The new stole will debut during the college's 2020 virtual commencement celebration on Saturday, June 6. To watch the celebration, visit austincc.edu/commencement.