Tyler Junior College will celebrate its centennial homecoming week from October 19-24, featuring a series of community events under the theme, “Soaring Through the Decades.” The festivities will culminate with the TJC Apaches football game on Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. against New Mexico Military Institute at the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.
A central tradition for the week, known as “the drumbeat,” will begin on Monday, October 19, and continue around the clock until the start of the football game. Students, faculty, and staff volunteers will take turns keeping the drum beating constantly across campus, a long-held ritual meant to bring good luck.
Alumni Director Miranda Sewell noted the significance of this year’s events, stating, “This year’s Homecoming carries great significance as we celebrate our Centennial.” The theme, inspired by TJC’s mascot Harry the Hawk, recognizes a century of achievements since the college’s founding in 1926 and highlights ten decades of milestones.
The week’s schedule includes a Homecoming Kickoff, spirit wall painting, the Campus Capers talent show, and a dance. On Thursday, October 22, the college will host a homecoming parade, a pep rally, and a block party, followed immediately by a fireworks show. All alumni, students, and community members are invited to participate.
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 affirm their connection to the college. Additional details regarding participation in this ceremony, as well as special Centennial Alumni Association membership opportunities, are available through TJC’s alumni website.
Before the football game on Saturday, October 24, alumni are invited to gather for a tailgate party. A complete schedule of events, parade information, and Homecoming updates can be found on the TJC Homecoming website.
Tyler Junior College, a public community college in East Texas, was established in 1926. It serves nearly 20,000 students annually across credit and non-credit programs, with over 16,000 enrolled in credit programs and almost 4,000 in continuing studies. The college offers more than 135 programs of study, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training across various fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades.
The college’s 145-acre central campus and multiple additional sites provide rigorous academic programs, a history of 70 national athletic championships, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and various organizations and clubs designed to promote student engagement and diversity. Further information about TJC is available on the college’s main website.
