TJC Celebrates Centennial Founders Day with campus and community
Students and staff gather on the lawn in front of Vaughn Library to celebrate TJC’s centennial anniversary on Founders Day, Thursday Sept. 17, 2026.
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TYLER, Texas — Turning 100 deserves a big party, and that’s exactly what students and staff at Tyler Junior College enjoyed yesterday — starting by celebrating together in front of Vaughn Library to honor TJC’s Centennial. TJC’s first class included just 93 students on Sept. 17, 1926. A century later, Founders Day 2026 filled campus with a celebration of that legacy, with TJC welcoming a record 13,147 students for the fall semester.
Astronaut helps launch TJC’s future
Col. Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle, made a special appearance at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center and shared her experiences in space with students and staff. Along with stories about her missions to the International Space Station, Collins spoke about leadership, perseverance, and the importance of preparing future generations to reach new heights.
As a community college graduate herself, Collins is a great supporter of helping students find their path at a college like TJC.
“It was important for me to go to community college,” Collins said. “My mother was a little bit sick, so I was able to take care of her for those two years that I lived at home. I was able to work a part-time job and save money. But, most important, I benefitted from the quality of education. I thought the professors were just outstanding. I was able to take all the courses I wanted and I had flexibility, so it was really the right thing for me. … For those studying here or thinking about becoming students [at TJC,] it’s really a great thing to do.”
Moore Middle School students from the STEM program were also on hand for Collins’ talk and got the chance to ask the astronaut their own questions.
At the TJC Space and Earth Science Center, more campus and community members got the chance to hear from Collins during a smaller event in Hudnall Planetarium. Taking place before Founders Day, Collins helped TJC launch Centennial Week celebrations and generate excitement for fundraising that benefits the College’s Centennial Campaign. (See more about the campaign’s efforts below.)
Collins’ story is becoming more widely known, which makes getting to hear her personal insights even more impactful. She is featured in a recent documentary about her life and accomplishments called “Spacewoman.” The documentary can be viewed on major streaming platforms.
A cake-filled celebration
At the start of Founders Day, a crowd of students, faculty, and supporters sang “Happy Birthday” to TJC, while everyone enjoyed activities like a ziplining, posing for photos, or playing games and TJC trivia. Those gathered posed for a “100”-shaped image on the lawn, photographed from above. Plenty of food and cold beverages were available for those who wanted to enjoy the beautiful day and spend time with friends on campus.
With Jenkins Hall in the background, a large three-dimensional cake was served that amazingly resembled the iconic building on Fifth Street. Dylan Humphrey, a TJC alum and owner of Kool Kakes by Dylan, made the cake. Humphrey has been recognized for his work on TV by the “Food Network” several times.
While TJC’s celebration is a time for reflection, College leaders also hope the gatherings offer a chance to build momentum for the future.
Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TCJ president and CEO said, “Having the opportunity to read about the history and major milestones leading up to the 100th anniversary of this powerhouse institution is truly amazing. We are grateful for the visionary leaders who set the foundation for TJC, while also crediting our wonderful communities who have been instrumental in carrying the College forward. Our entire region is significantly better because of Tyler Junior College, and countless lives have been positively impacted.”
“While the creation of an institution requires a lot of hard work and dedication, sustaining it requires an unwavering commitment to fulfill that original mission,” continued Mejia. “We continue to remind ourselves of the reason for our existence, and while there may be a lot of valid reasons, I believe our priority is helping our students be successful so they can continue to make our communities better.”
Funding the future of TJC
As part of TJC’s celebration Centennial Celebration this year, 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. The Centennial Campaign’s priorities include support for its signature student success program, TJC Promise, and a new series of endowed funds appropriately named TJC Works. This will provide support for students, programs, and facilities in the College’s dynamic workforce programs.
“From our first students 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.
The campaign has reached its goal, but community members can contribute by visiting TJC.edu/GivingDay.
Community joins TJC’s celebration at True Vine
Later, the campus community joined family, friends and local supporters at True Vine Brewing Company to celebrate a century of education, opportunity, and local impact. The event benefited the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund, with True Vine generously supporting student scholarships through a $1 contribution for each beverage sold during the event. This provided another way attendees could make a difference while celebrating TJC’s 100th year.
Entertainment was also provided by the campus community including alumnus Rafael Espinoza and the Rockabilly Railroad Band. Attendees tested their knowledge of East Texas and the College during themed trivia games while celebrating all things TJC.
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 135 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 almost 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.