Tyler Junior College (TJC) will commemorate its 100th anniversary with Founders Day 2026 celebrations on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18. The College, which officially opened its doors on September 17, 1926, with 93 students and nine faculty members, invites the campus and the wider community to participate in festivities designed to launch TJC into its next century of education and opportunity.
The primary community event, titled “TJC Gives Back Night,” is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, from 5-11 p.m. at True Vine Brewing Company in Tyler. This free gathering aims to celebrate a century of education, opportunity, and local impact while benefiting the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. True Vine Brewing Company will generously support student scholarships by contributing one dollar for each beer sold during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew, making its debut that evening. The first 100 guests at True Vine will receive a commemorative pint glass, and everyone can enjoy live performances featuring TJC talent. For those who enjoy trivia, the celebration will also feature East Texas- and TJC-themed games with Dr. Factenstein from 7-9 p.m., open to individuals and teams.
In conjunction with the Founders Day celebrations, TJC has set a specific fundraising target to bolster the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. The College announced a Giving Day goal of $19,260, a figure that references TJC’s establishment year. This initiative underscores the College’s commitment to helping students overcome financial barriers, providing assistance with essential educational expenses such as tuition, books, and campus fees. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president of institutional advancement and CAO, stated that the Centennial is “a celebration of that legacy” and a chance to invest in the students and communities who will carry it forward. Community members interested in contributing to this goal can make direct gifts through the College's website.
Following Founders Day, TJC will host an event recognizing outstanding alumni and supporters on Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m. This gathering will take place at the Rogers Performing Art Center on the College's Central Campus. The annual awards hold special significance this year during the Centennial celebration, acknowledging the individual contributions that have supported TJC's success over the past century. Each alumnus and honoree shares a memorable connection to the institution.
Established in 1926, Tyler Junior College functions as a comprehensive public community college for East Texas. It offers a wide array of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and various workforce or vocational training options. TJC provides nearly 140 programs of study across fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, serving both traditional students and adult learners. Annually, the College serves nearly 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’s 145-acre central campus and additional sites feature rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and various organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.
The community is invited to engage with these events and contribute to the scholarship fund, celebrating TJC's past and supporting its future. More information about the College’s history and Centennial events can be found on TJC’s website.
