Tyler Junior College (TJC) will celebrate its 100th anniversary with Founders Day 2026 events on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18. The festivities commemorate the college's official opening on September 17, 1926, which began with 93 students and nine faculty members. The campus and community are invited to participate in events designed to launch TJC into its next century of service to East Texas.
On Founders Day, Thursday, September 17, TJC will host a "Gives Back Night" at True Vine Brewing Company, located in Tyler, from 5-11 p.m. This free event will benefit the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund, with True Vine contributing $1 for each beer sold throughout the evening. A special TJC-branded Centennial Brew will debut for attendees, and the first 100 guests will receive a commemorative pint glass. The event also features live performances by TJC talent and East Texas- and TJC-themed trivia with Dr. Factenstein from 7-9 p.m., open to individuals and teams.
As part of the centennial celebration, TJC has set a Giving Day goal of $19,260 to support the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. This financial target reflects the college’s establishment year, 1926, and its ongoing commitment to student success. Gifts to the fund directly assist students with essential educational expenses, including tuition, books, and campus fees, helping to remove financial barriers. Community members can contribute to this goal by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president, institutional advancement, and CAO, noted that TJC’s story "has always been about creating opportunity," and the Centennial is an occasion to invest in future students and communities.
The celebrations continue on Friday, September 18, with an event honoring alumni and supporters. This gathering will take place at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Performing Art Center on TJC's Central Campus. The college will recognize individuals for their contributions to its success over the past century, highlighting their memorable connections to TJC.
Tyler Junior College, a comprehensive public community college in East Texas, offers nearly 140 programs of study. These include bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training across areas such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades. TJC serves nearly 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, comprising over 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. The college’s 145-acre central campus and multiple sites feature rigorous academics, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and organizations for student engagement. TJC has also achieved 70 national athletic championships. The college strives to provide an educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
These centennial events mark a significant milestone for Tyler Junior College, reflecting on its past while investing in its future through student support and community engagement as it moves into its next century of service to East Texas.
