Tyler Junior College (TJC) will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Founders Day, Thursday, September 17, with public events across Tyler. The College, which officially opened its doors a century ago with 93 students and nine faculty members, is inviting the campus and wider community to festivities designed to launch its next century.
Key among the celebrations is a "TJC Gives Back Night" at True Vine Brewing Company, located in Tyler, from 5-11 p.m. on September 17. This free event will unite the campus and community, celebrating a century of education and local impact. It also serves as a benefit for the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. True Vine Brewing Company is supporting student scholarships by contributing $1 for each beer sold during the event. Additionally, True Vine will debut a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew for attendees. The first 100 guests will receive a commemorative pint glass, and the evening will include live performances featuring TJC talent.
For those interested in local history and trivia, the event will also feature East Texas- and TJC-themed games with Dr. Factenstein from 7-9 p.m., open to individuals and teams. The TJC Impact Scholarship Fund, which benefits from these events, helps students overcome financial barriers by supporting essential educational expenses like tuition, books, and campus fees.
As part of its centennial celebration, TJC has set a $19,260 Giving Day goal for the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. This specific goal is a nod to the year TJC was established, 1926, and reflects the College’s commitment to future student success. Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president of institutional advancement and CAO, noted 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 have the opportunity to make direct gifts toward this goal to support student success.
Following Founders Day, on Friday, September 18, TJC will honor outstanding alumni and supporters at an event scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Rogers Performing Art Center on the College’s Central Campus. This awards ceremony will recognize individuals for their memorable connections to TJC and their contributions to its success over the past century.
Tyler Junior College, a comprehensive public community college in East Texas, was founded in 1926. Today, it serves nearly 23,000 students annually across credit and non-credit programs, including over 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC offers nearly 140 programs of study, spanning bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and various workforce or vocational training options. The College's 145-acre central campus features rigorous academics, programs in fine and performing arts, modern residential facilities, and a variety of student organizations. These September events will highlight the College's history and its ongoing impact as it embarks on its second century of education.
