Tyler Junior College (TJC) will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special Homecoming week, “Soaring Through the Decades,” from Saturday, October 19, through Thursday, October 24. The celebration invites current students, faculty, staff, and the wider East Texas community to honor a century of TJC’s presence and achievements since its founding in 1926.
Throughout the week, a time-honored tradition known as “the drumbeat” will commence, where supporters from across campus will maintain a continuous drumbeat around the clock. This rhythmic event is intended to bring good fortune ahead of the Homecoming football game.
Miranda Sewell, TJC Alumni Director, extended an invitation, stating, “We invite alumni and community members from every decade to return to campus, reconnect with fellow Apaches, and help us celebrate the memories of the past 100 years.” Sewell noted the particular significance of this year’s Homecoming given the Centennial milestone.
The “Soaring Through the Decades” theme, inspired by TJC’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, aims to highlight a century of the college’s accomplishments and the significant milestones that have shaped its history over the past ten decades.
The week’s calendar of events includes the Homecoming Kickoff, a spirit wall painting activity, and the Campus Capers talent show, along with a dance. The drumbeat ceremony will continue throughout the entire week, with TJC students, faculty, and staff volunteering to keep the drum beating until the commencement of the football game.
On Thursday, October 22, the College will host a series of public events. Alumni, students, and community members are encouraged to participate in the Homecoming parade, a pep rally, and a block party. These events will culminate with a fireworks show immediately following the block party.
Friday, October 23, will introduce a new tradition: TJC’s inaugural Ringing Ceremony. This event offers students and alumni the opportunity to receive their class rings and formally acknowledge their connection to the College. Additional information about participating in this ceremony, as well as details regarding special Centennial Alumni Association membership opportunities, can be found on the TJC.edu/Alumni website.
The Homecoming festivities will conclude on Saturday, October 24. Alumni are invited to a tailgate gathering preceding the TJC Apaches football game. The Apaches are scheduled to play against the New Mexico Military Institute at 1 p.m. at the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler.
Tyler Junior College, established in 1926, operates as a comprehensive public community college serving East Texas. It provides a broad spectrum of educational offerings, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and various workforce or vocational training programs. The institution offers more than 135 programs of study across fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, catering to both traditional students and adult learners. TJC serves nearly 20,000 students each year through its credit and non-credit programs, with over 16,000 enrolled in credit programs and approximately 4,000 in continuing studies. The college maintains a 145-acre central campus and additional sites, featuring academics, athletic programs that have yielded 70 national championships, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and various student organizations. A full schedule of events, parade details, and Homecoming updates are available at TJC.edu/Homecoming.
