Tyler Junior College (TJC) will mark its 100th anniversary with Founders Day 2026 celebrations on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18. These events, designed to commemorate a century of providing education and opportunity in East Texas, will feature a community gathering at True Vine Brewing Company in Tyler and a recognition ceremony for alumni and supporters.
The college first opened its doors in 1926 with an enrollment of 93 students and nine faculty members. Today, TJC serves nearly 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with over 19,000 in credit programs and approximately 4,000 in continuing studies.
The primary public event, "TJC Gives Back Night," is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, from 5-11 p.m. at True Vine Brewing Company. This free event invites the campus and broader community to celebrate TJC’s centennial. During this time, True Vine Brewing Company will contribute $1 for each beer sold to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund, directly supporting student scholarships. In conjunction with this effort, True Vine will debut a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew. The first 100 guests will receive a commemorative pint glass. Attendees can also enjoy live performances featuring TJC talent and participate in East Texas- and TJC-themed trivia games with Dr. Factenstein from 7-9 p.m., open to individuals and teams.
As part of its centennial commemoration, TJC has set a $19,260 Giving Day goal for the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. This fundraising target is a nod to the year 1926, when the college was established. The College emphasizes that gifts to this fund are crucial for helping students overcome financial barriers, covering essential educational expenses such as tuition, books, and campus fees. This assistance allows students to focus on earning their degrees. Community members can contribute directly to this goal by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president, institutional advancement, and CAO, noted that TJC's history has "always been about creating opportunity" and described the Centennial as a chance "to invest in the students and communities who will carry it forward.”
The celebrations continue on Friday, September 18, with an event for alumni and supporters at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Performing Art Center on TJC’s Central Campus. This gathering will recognize outstanding alumni and supporters, with the awards taking on special meaning during the College's 100th anniversary year. The College intends to acknowledge the individual contributions of these honorees to its success over the past century.
Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college situated in East Texas, offering a wide array of programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. It provides nearly 140 programs of study across fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, serving both traditional and adult learners. The College's 145-acre central campus and additional sites feature rigorous academics, a history of 70 national athletic championships, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and various student organizations and clubs designed to promote engagement and diversity. TJC aims to provide an educational experience that prepares students for success in their chosen careers and communities.
The centennial events and scholarship drive underscore TJC's ongoing commitment to its founding mission of providing access to higher education and supporting student success for generations to come.
