Tyler Junior College will celebrate its 100th anniversary with Founders Day 2026 events scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, and Friday, Sept. 18. The festivities include a community gathering at True Vine Brewing Company benefiting a scholarship fund and an awards ceremony recognizing alumni and supporters. As part of its centennial, the college is also aiming to raise $19,260 for student scholarships.
The primary community event, "TJC Gives Back Night," is set for Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5-11 p.m. at True Vine Brewing Company. This free event invites the campus and broader Tyler community to celebrate a century of education and opportunity. True Vine Brewing Company will contribute one dollar for each beer sold during the event to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. Attendees will also have the first opportunity to try a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew. The first 100 guests will receive a commemorative pint glass, and the evening will include live performances featuring TJC talent. For those who enjoy games, East Texas- and TJC-themed trivia hosted by Dr. Factenstein will take place from 7-9 p.m., welcoming both individual players and teams.
The scholarship fundraising effort aligns with TJC's commitment to student success. The college has set a "Giving Day" goal of $19,260, a figure chosen to reflect the year TJC was established. This fund helps students overcome financial barriers by supporting essential educational expenses such as tuition, books, and campus fees, allowing them to concentrate on their studies. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president of institutional advancement and CAO, stated that the Centennial is "a celebration of that legacy, and a chance to invest in the students and communities who will carry it forward." Community members interested in contributing to the $19,260 goal can do so by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay.
The celebrations continue on Friday, Sept. 18, with an event at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Performing Art Center on the Central Campus. This gathering will honor outstanding alumni and supporters whose individual contributions have been significant to TJC's success over the past century. This year’s awards hold special meaning during the centennial recognition.
Tyler Junior College officially opened its doors 100 years ago with an initial enrollment of 93 students and nine faculty members. Today, the comprehensive public community college, founded in 1926, serves nearly 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 19,000 in credit programs and almost 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC offers nearly 140 programs of study, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in various fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades. The college’s 145-acre central campus and multiple sites feature rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, fine and performing arts programs, residential facilities, and student organizations. The institution aims to provide an educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities. More information about TJC's history and centennial events is available at TJC.edu/Centennial.
