Tyler Junior College (TJC) will celebrate its 100th anniversary with Founders Day 2026 events on Thursday, Sept. 17, and Friday, Sept. 18. Festivities include a community gathering at True Vine Brewing Company benefiting student scholarships and an awards ceremony for alumni and supporters. The college, established in 1926, aims to raise $19,260 for its Impact Scholarship Fund as part of the centennial.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, TJC will host “TJC Gives Back Night” at True Vine Brewing Company, located at 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway, from 5-11 p.m. This free event invites both the campus and community to celebrate a century of education and local impact. True Vine Brewing Company will contribute $1 for each beer sold during the event to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. Additionally, True Vine will debut a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew for attendees. 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.
The $19,260 Giving Day goal for the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund is a nod to the year the college was established. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president, institutional advancement, and CAO, stated that TJC's history has consistently been about “creating opportunity” for students. Gifts to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund help students overcome financial barriers by supporting essential educational expenses such as tuition, books, and campus fees, allowing them to focus on their degrees. Community members can make direct gifts toward this goal by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay.
The following day, Friday, Sept. 18, TJC will host an event recognizing outstanding alumni and supporters at the Rogers Performing Art Center on the Central Campus at 7 p.m. This year's awards hold special meaning during the Centennial celebration, acknowledging the individual contributions of alumni and honorees to the college's success over the past century.
Tyler Junior College first opened its doors with 93 students and nine faculty members. Today, TJC is a comprehensive public community college in East Texas, serving nearly 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs. This includes over 19,000 students in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. The college offers nearly 140 programs of study, ranging from bachelor's and associate degrees to certificates and workforce training in areas such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades. Its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites feature rigorous academics, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and a history of 70 national athletic championships. The college aims to provide an educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
The Centennial festivities are designed to launch Tyler Junior College into its next century of service to East Texas. More information about the college’s history and Centennial events is available on its website.
