TYLER, Texas — Tyler Junior College honored key figures who shaped its first century, presenting awards to its founding president, former and current leaders, and a distinguished alumnus at its 2026 Alumni Awards ceremony on Sept. 18. The event, held just one day after TJC Founders Day, was a central part of the college's centennial celebration.
The Legacy of Leadership Award was presented to the family of George O. Clough, who helped open the doors of Tyler Junior College in 1926. His granddaughters accepted the award in his honor. Clough welcomed the first class of 93 students to the college, establishing a legacy that returned to campus a century later.
The ceremony also recognized TJC alumnus Dr. Nirund Jivasantikarn with this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jivasantikarn, who resides in Thailand, connected to the celebration by video, with his family accepting the award on his behalf. Jivasantikarn began his higher education journey at TJC in 1968 after leaving his native Thailand. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University, a master’s degree in wildlife science from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in education, also from Baylor.
Following his studies, Jivasantikarn returned to Thailand, where he dedicated his career to education, community development, and philanthropy. He founded the American Thai Foundation and the Yonok Foundation, successfully raising approximately $7 million. These funds helped establish Yonok University in Lampang, Thailand, where he served as president from 1988 to 2006.
Additionally, all TJC presidents throughout the century were honored with the Legacy of Leadership Award, recognizing their contributions to the college during its first 100 years. Former President Dr. Michael Metke, who served from 2007 to 2019, and current President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia were present at the ceremony to receive their honors.
Miranda Sewell, director of Alumni Relations, stated that bringing so many members of the TJC family together offered "a powerful reflection of where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and the bright future ahead." She noted that honoring alumni, friends of the college, and TJC presidents made the evening especially meaningful, recognizing that each honoree played a part in shaping TJC's story and contributing to its legacy.
Tyler Junior College, founded in 1926, is a comprehensive public community college in East Texas. It offers a wide range of academic and workforce programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training. The college provides more than 140 programs of study across fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, serving both traditional students and adult learners.
Annually, TJC serves almost 23,000 students across its credit and non-credit programs, with over 19,000 enrolled in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. The college operates from its 145-acre central campus and multiple satellite sites, offering rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and a variety of organizations and clubs designed to promote student engagement and diversity. The awards ceremony underscored the college’s ongoing centennial celebration, highlighting a century of educational impact and community involvement.
