Tyler Junior College (TJC) observed its 100th anniversary on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with a Founders Day celebration that brought together hundreds of students and faculty on the campus quad. The event officially marked a century since the college first opened its doors.
The festivities, which drew over 500 students, included a range of activities such as a zip line, school trivia, and complimentary food. A cake replica of Jenkins Hall, created by Kool Kakes by Dylan, was a prominent feature of the celebration. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a "cash grab" offering "19.26" in "Mejia Money," named after TJC president Dr. Juan Mejia. Additionally, old-fashioned photographs were available, designed to evoke the college's original campus setting at Tyler High School.
Lauren Tyler, TJC’s director of Student Life, stated that the college had been anticipating the centennial throughout the year. Tyler described the milestone as a "big accomplishment" and emphasized that the goal of the celebration was to ensure "something for everybody" to mark the occasion.
For students like Angel Caleb, an 18-year-old freshman from Lindale, the centennial offered a welcoming introduction to college life. Caleb, who is studying communications and aims to become a public relations manager, initially felt nervous about starting college but stated that events like the centennial celebration made her "feel more welcome and more excited" to be at TJC. She chose TJC for its affordability and proximity to her family and noted her appreciation for interacting with professors after previously attending virtual school.
Emily Mosier, another freshman, traveled to TJC from Central Texas. Mosier, who plays French horn and mellophone in the Apache Band, learned about the college after her sister toured the campus in 2018, with her band directors also speaking highly of TJC’s music programs. Mosier remarked that it was "an honor" to be part of the college's legacy, particularly with the band, upon realizing she was arriving during its centennial year.
Tyler Junior College first opened on September 17, 1926, at Tyler High School with an inaugural class of 93 students and nine faculty members. The college later relocated to its present campus in 1948, a move that spurred significant growth and the development of numerous programs and traditions that persist today.
Early in its history, TJC established student organizations and athletic programs. Las Mascaras, formed during the college’s first year, is TJC's oldest continuously operating student organization. That initial academic year also saw the launch of Apache athletics, with the immediate formation of football, men's basketball, and women's basketball teams.
Today, TJC serves a district that encompasses six independent school districts: Chapel Hill, Grand Saline, Lindale, Tyler, Van, and Winona. The college continues to highlight its commitment to the broader community through its "Educating Everyone" message, catering to recent high school graduates, individuals returning to school, or those changing careers. Tyler noted that the college seeks to involve the community "for the next 100 years."
