Tyler Junior College (TJC) will mark its 100th anniversary with a series of community events and a scholarship fundraising campaign this September. The college, which officially opened its doors on September 17, 1926, with 93 students and nine faculty members, plans to celebrate its Founders Day on Thursday, September 17, with additional festivities extending into Friday, September 18.
The primary public celebration, dubbed "TJC Gives Back Night," is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, from 5-11 p.m. at True Vine Brewing Company in Tyler. This free event is open to both the campus community and the public, aiming to commemorate a century of education, opportunity, and local impact in East Texas. True Vine Brewing Company will support the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund by contributing $1 for each beer sold during the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew, and the first 100 guests will receive a commemorative pint glass. The evening will also feature live performances by TJC talent and East Texas and TJC-themed trivia games with Dr. Factenstein from 7-9 p.m., open to individuals and teams.
In conjunction with the centennial, TJC has initiated a "Giving Day" fundraising goal of $19,260 for the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. This specific amount serves as a tribute to the college's establishment year of 1926. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president, institutional advancement, and CAO, stated that TJC's story has always been "about creating opportunity" and that the Centennial is a chance to invest in future students and communities. Contributions to this scholarship fund are intended to help students overcome financial barriers by assisting with essential educational expenses, including tuition, books, and campus fees. Community members interested in donating toward the $19,260 goal can do so by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay.
Following Founders Day, an event to recognize outstanding alumni and supporters will be held on Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m. This gathering will take place at the Rogers Performing Art Center on TJC's Central Campus. The college gratefully acknowledges the individual contributions made by these honorees to its success over the past century.
Tyler Junior College, a comprehensive public community college situated in East Texas, offers a broad spectrum of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. The college currently provides nearly 140 programs of study across disciplines such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, serving both traditional students and adult learners. Annually, TJC serves nearly 23,000 students through its credit and non-credit programs, with over 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. The college’s central campus spans 145 acres and features modern residential facilities, along with multiple other sites, and is recognized for its rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, and acclaimed fine and performing arts programs.
For more information regarding the college’s history and the complete schedule of Centennial events, the public can visit TJC.edu/Centennial.
