Tyler Junior College will celebrate its 100th anniversary Homecoming from October 19-24, inviting alumni and community members to a series of events across campus. The celebration, themed “Soaring Through the Decades,” reflects a century of the college’s achievements and traditions since its founding in 1926. The week will conclude with the TJC Apaches football game on Saturday, October 24.
Festivities begin on Monday, October 19, with the traditional "the drumbeat," which will resonate continuously across campus until the start of the football game. Students, faculty, and staff volunteer to keep the drum beating around the clock, a long-standing practice intended to bring good luck before the big game. Other initial events include the Homecoming Kickoff, spirit wall painting, the Campus Capers talent show, and a dance.
Mid-week, on Thursday, October 22, the college will host a homecoming parade, a pep rally, and a block party, all open to alumni, students, and community members. Immediately following these events, a fireworks show is scheduled to take place. A new tradition will debut on Friday, October 23, with TJC’s inaugural Ringing Ceremony, an event for students and alumni to receive their class rings and honor their connections to the college. Details for participating in this ceremony and information about Centennial Alumni Association membership are available on the college's alumni website.
The celebration culminates on Saturday, October 24, at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, where alumni are invited to a tailgate gathering before the TJC Apaches play New Mexico Military Institute at 1 p.m. Miranda Sewell, TJC Alumni Director, stated the college invites alumni and community members to "reconnect with fellow Apaches" and commemorate the past century. She added that this year’s Homecoming carries "great significance" due to the Centennial. The "Soaring Through the Decades" theme is inspired by TJC’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, and serves to highlight ten decades of milestones that have shaped the institution.
Tyler Junior College, a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas, was established in 1926. It currently offers more than 135 programs of study, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and various workforce or vocational training options across areas such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades. The college serves almost 20,000 students annually, with over 16,000 enrolled in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies, supporting both traditional and adult learners.
Spanning a 145-acre central campus and additional sites, TJC is recognized for its academics, having achieved 70 national athletic championships, and for its fine and performing arts programs. The institution also provides modern residential facilities and numerous organizations and clubs designed to promote student engagement and diversity. The college strives to offer an educational experience that prepares students for success in their professional careers and within their communities. For a full schedule of events, parade information, and Homecoming updates, interested individuals can visit the college’s homecoming website.
