Lone Star College held graduation ceremonies May 9-11 for all eight colleges and its first Spanish Commencement Ceremony May 18. The college awarded 11,236 degrees and certificates, nearly a 16% increase over spring 2023.

“Commencement is a celebratory time for Lone Star College to watch graduates walk across the stage and into their futures,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSC chancellor. “Watching our new alumni share smiles, hugs and happy tears with their families and Lone Star College employees underscores the college’s mission of offering quality educational opportunities that change lives.” 

Of the 11,236 degrees and certificates, LSC awarded 264 baccalaureate degrees, a 44% increase over spring 2023, 9,633 associate degrees and 1,339 certifications. Notable events from this year’s commencement ceremonies include:

1. LSC recognized nearly 70 Spanish-speaking graduates and their families at the first Spanish Commencement ceremony. Students received encouragement to pursue their academic or career goals. 
2. The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Emergency Management program celebrated its first 13 graduates May 9.
3. LSC’s Commencement Ceremonies are personal celebrations for students like Mady Howard to reflect and show gratitude to their support system. Howard walked across the stage at LSC-Montgomery in the regalia that her mother, Jean Fajardo, wore when she graduated from LSC-Montgomery in 2009. Howard plans to pursue four-year degrees in accounting and ceramics.
4. Over 1,000 high school seniors like Jayla Palmer earned associate degrees weeks before receiving their diplomas. The LSC Early College High School program helps students earn a high school diploma and an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree simultaneously.

“Early College High School through Lone Star College has provided me with advancement prospects and social skills for future educational and career opportunities,” said Palmer, LSC-Houston North Victory graduate and future Victory Early College High School graduate. “This program has helped me to further my education above the norms and get a head start on my academic journey after high school.” 

Lone Star College has over 200 program options, including four bachelor’s degrees, for students to complete a degree, transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce. There is still time to register for summer and fall classes. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Registration.

Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.