Tyler Junior College (TJC) honored key figures in its history, including its first president and a globally impactful alumnus, during its 2026 Alumni Awards ceremony on Sept. 18. The event, held just one day after TJC Founders Day, celebrated the college’s Centennial by recognizing those who shaped its first 100 years.
George O. Clough, who helped open the doors of TJC in 1926 as its first president, was posthumously awarded the Legacy of Leadership Award. His granddaughters accepted the honor on his behalf, representing the legacy of the man who welcomed TJC's first class of 93 students.
The ceremony also celebrated Dr. Nirund Jivasantikarn, a TJC alumnus, with this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jivasantikarn, who could not attend in person, joined the celebration by video from Thailand, where his family accepted the award for him. He began his higher education journey at TJC in 1968 after leaving his native Thailand. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a doctorate in education from Baylor University, along with a master’s degree in wildlife science from Texas A&M University. Jivasantikarn dedicated his career to education, community development, and philanthropy in Thailand. He founded the American Thai Foundation and Yonok Foundation and raised approximately $7 million to help establish Yonok University in Lampang. He served as Yonok University’s president from 1988 to 2006.
In addition to Clough and Jivasantikarn, all past and present TJC presidents were recognized with the Legacy of Leadership Award for their contributions throughout the college's century of operation. Former President Dr. Michael Metke, who served from 2007 to 2019, and current President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia were present to receive this recognition.
Miranda Sewell, director of Alumni Relations, indicated that gathering members of the TJC family together offered a powerful reflection of the college's past, present, and future. She added that honoring alumni, friends, and TJC presidents during the Centennial made the evening particularly meaningful, stating that “each honoree has played a part in shaping the story of TJC” and contributing to the legacy celebrated today.
Tyler Junior College, founded in 1926, operates as a comprehensive public community college serving East Texas. It offers a broad range of educational pathways, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. The college provides more than 135 programs of study across fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, supporting both traditional students and adult learners.
Annually, TJC serves almost 23,000 students across its credit and non-credit programs, with over 19,000 enrolled in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. The college's main campus spans 145 acres, supplemented by multiple additional sites. TJC is noted for its rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and a variety of organizations and clubs designed to promote student engagement and diversity. Further information about TJC’s Centennial and upcoming events is available through the college.
