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TJC Founders Day offers celebrations to mark 100-year anniversary 

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TYLER, Texas — It’s been 100 years since Tyler Junior College officially opened its doors with 93 students and nine faculty members. Founders Day 2026 takes place on the Sept. 17 anniversary of the College’s opening — and would amaze leaders a century ago who dreamed of access to higher education in East Texas.

With so much to celebrate this year, TJC invites the campus and community to join in Centennial festivities designed to help launch the College into its next century.

Community event invite:

TJC Gives Back Night at True Vine Brewing Company, Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5-11 p.m.

This free event brings together the campus and community at True Vine on Founders Day, celebrating a century of education, opportunity, and local impact. It also benefits the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. True Vine is generously supporting student scholarships through a $1 contribution for each beer sold during the event. This gives members of the community another opportunity to make a difference while celebrating TJC’s 100th year.

Coinciding with that gift, True Vine will debut a special TJC-branded Centennial Brew for attendees to enjoy. The first 100 guests will receive a commemorative pint glass, and everyone can enjoy live performances featuring TJC talent.

For trivia lovers, the celebration also features East Texas- and TJC-themed games with Dr. Factenstein from 7-9 p.m. Individuals and teams are welcome to play. This activity tests attendees’ local knowledge while celebrating all things TJC.

Funding the Future of TJC

As part of TJC’s celebration, the College set a $19,260 Giving Day goal to support the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. The goal is a nod to the year TJC was established and reflects the College’s commitment to helping students succeed for generations to come.

“From our first students in 1926 to the thousands of Apaches we serve today, TJC’s story has always been about creating opportunity,” said Mitch Andrews, TJC vice president, institutional advancement, and CAO. “Our Centennial is a celebration of that legacy, and a chance to invest in the students and communities who will carry it forward.”

Gifts to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund help students overcome financial barriers by supporting essential educational expenses. Assistance with tuition, books, and campus fees allows students to stay focused on earning their degrees.

Community members can make a direct gift toward the $19,260 goal by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay.

Centennial Alumni Awards

While TJC proudly recognizes its outstanding alumni and supporters each year, this year’s awards take on special meaning during the College’s Centennial celebration. On Friday Sept. 18, the day after Founders Day, alumni and supporters will gather for an event at Rogers Performing Art Center on the Central Campus at 7 p.m.

Each alumnus and honoree shares a memorable connection to TJC, and the College gratefully recognizes their individual contributions to its success during the past century.

The 2026 honorees are:

  • Dr. Nirund Jivasantikarn (’68), Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Dr. Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez (’08), Valuable Young Alumni Award
  • Jim (’87) and Amy Cunningham (’90), Apache Spirit Award
  • The Honorable James Worthen, Outstanding Public Service Award
  • Tisa Hibbs, Black and Gold Award
  • Shannon Dacus, Special Recognition Award – Champions Award
  • Kay Latta (’81), Special Recognition Award – Champions Award
  • Shelbie Glover (’99), Special Recognition Award – Champions Award
  • G.O. Clough*, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 1926-1927
  • J.M. Hodges*, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 1927-1946
  • Dr. Harry Jenkins*, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 1946-1981
  • Dr. Raymond Hawkins, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 1981-1994
  • Dr. William Crowe, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 1994-2007
  • Dr. Michael Metke, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 2007-2019
  • Dr. Juan E. Mejia, Special Recognition – Legacy of Leadership Award, TJC President 2019-present

* Award given posthumously

For more information about the College’s history and Centennial events, visit TJC.edu/Centennial.

About TJC

 

Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. It was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary, offering a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. TJC offers more than nearly 140 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology and trades, and it helps both traditional students and adult learners.

TJC serves nearly 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.

Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, along with organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.

For more information visit: TJC.edu.

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