Tyler, Texas — Tyler Junior College celebrated its Centennial on Sept. 18, 2026, with an Alumni Awards ceremony that honored foundational leaders and a distinguished alumnus whose work spans continents. The event, held on the TJC campus, marked the college's 100th anniversary, celebrated just one day after TJC Founders Day.
During the ceremony, the Legacy of Leadership Award was presented in honor of George O. Clough, who helped open the college's doors in 1926. His granddaughters accepted the award, acknowledging Clough’s role in welcoming TJC’s first class of 93 students a century ago.
The college also recognized an alumnus for a lifetime of international impact. Dr. Nirund Jivasantikarn, who began his higher education journey at TJC in 1968 after leaving his native Thailand, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Jivasantikarn later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University, a master’s degree in wildlife science from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in education, also from Baylor.
His career led him back to Thailand, where he dedicated himself to education, community development, and philanthropy. Dr. Jivasantikarn founded the American Thai Foundation and the Yonok Foundation, raising approximately $7 million to establish Yonok University in Lampang, Thailand. He served as the university’s president from 1988 to 2006. Unable to attend the Tyler ceremony in person from over 8,000 miles away, his family accepted the award on his behalf, and Dr. Jivasantikarn joined the celebration by video.
Additionally, the Legacy of Leadership Award honored TJC’s presidents throughout its first century, recognizing their contributions to the college’s development. Former President Dr. Michael Metke, who led the institution from 2007 to 2019, and current President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia were present to receive the honor.
Miranda Sewell, director of Alumni Relations, noted the significance of bringing together members of the TJC community, reflecting on the college's past, present, and future. She stated that honoring alumni, friends, and presidents during the centennial made the evening especially meaningful, recognizing how each honoree contributed to shaping the college’s story and legacy.
Tyler Junior College, a comprehensive public community college, was founded in 1926 and operates on a 145-acre central campus along with multiple sites. It offers more than 140 programs of study, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training in areas such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades. The college serves almost 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with over 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC emphasizes rigorous academics, boasts 70 national athletic championships, and provides fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and student organizations to foster engagement and diversity.
The college’s centennial celebration continues, with more information regarding upcoming events available through TJC’s dedicated centennial webpage.
