Approximately 1,650 students will graduate on May 23 with 2,206 degrees and certificates.

These numbers have slightly increased from last year, when approximately 1,637 students graduated with 2,174 degrees and cer-tificates.

Students from the schools of Health Sciences and Science, Technology and Education will graduate at 11 a.m. at the Hall at Live! Casino and Hotel.

A second ceremony at 4 p.m. is for the graduates of the schools of Business and Law, Liberal Arts, and Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

Each ceremony will last approximately two hours.

A student valedictorian will speak at each ceremony, while history professor Richard Hardesty will speak at one of the events and physical sciences professor Katherine Keough will speak at the other.

Graduates received five guest tickets in their graduation packets.

Robert Rogers, a second-year creative writing student, will graduate at the 4 p.m. ceremony.

Rogers said he enjoyed his time at AACC and looks forward to graduating.

“I worked in the library, I’ve been a part of SGA, I’ve done a whole bunch of stuff,” Rogers said. “I’ve helped in the theater a little bit. Honestly, everyone here is super nice and lovely people. So I’ve enjoyed every second here. … I’m glad to be graduating.”

Third-year sociology student Nikita Plaisance said she will transfer to a four-year university after graduation.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” Plaisance said. “I’ve met so many people here. And it’s kind of been like the best years of my life and also sometimes the worst years of my life, but I’m very glad that I came here