TJC Alumni Association

TJC Alumni Association Cultivating lasting connections and fostering active engagement among former TJC students and friends of the college.

The TJC Alumni Association is available for ALL former students, family members, and friends of the College. Timely communication, an awareness of what is happening on campus and fellowship with former alumni all are privileges of membership in the TJC Alumni Association.

In 1926, Annie Hill Johns left an extraordinary mark on Tyler Junior College with a single word. When students were enco...
09/04/2026

In 1926, Annie Hill Johns left an extraordinary mark on Tyler Junior College with a single word. When students were encouraged to suggest names for TJC’s athletic teams, Annie called out “Apaches!”—and the name immediately resonated. That one word became part of the very culture of TJC, inspiring generations of traditions, including the Apache Belles, drumbeat, Rim Walk and the many ways Apaches celebrate their connection to the College.

Annie’s TJC legacy is also deeply connected to her family and faith. Her father, Dr. Hill, served 31 years as pastor of First Presbyterian Church before becoming pastor of Moore Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1946. Under his leadership, the congregation relocated to Fifth Street in 1960, in part because of its proximity to TJC, and soon established the Presbyterian Bible Chair on the TJC campus, taught by the church’s pastor. Annie’s son, Dick Johns ’48, created artwork that can still be found across campus, while granddaughter Janis Johns ’81 continues the family tradition through her longtime service with the Apache Belle Gold Council. From her family to her faith to the name she gave our College, Annie Hill’s impact is woven into the fabric of TJC.

09/03/2026

In honor of TJC Giving Day, our Alumni Board members are sharing some of their favorite TJC memories as we celebrate the College’s Centennial! Help create the next generation of Apache memories by giving $19.26 or more to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. Make an impact today: http://tjc.edu/givingday

In today's episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Carmin "Marie" Biggs, a ten-time Emmy Award-winning news producer...
09/03/2026

In today's episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Carmin "Marie" Biggs, a ten-time Emmy Award-winning news producer and proud TJC alumna, whose journey from small-town Texas to the fast-paced world of New York City news is nothing short of inspiring. Marie shares how her time at TJC gave her the confidence and support to pursue big dreams, eventually leading her to NYU and a decorated career at WABC-TV.

09/02/2026

The Tyler Junior College Foundation would like to recognize and thank CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances for serving as a Presenting Underwriter for the TJC Centennial Celebrations, including the upcoming Founders Day Luncheon.

This special event celebrates the 100-Year Anniversary of Tyler Junior College while benefitting the new TJC Works Scholarship Endowment.

We are grateful for CHRISTUS Health’s partnership and continued commitment to the success of TJC students and the East Texas region.

Did you know Tyler Junior College spent its first 22 years in the heart of downtown Tyler?When TJC opened its doors in 1...
09/02/2026

Did you know Tyler Junior College spent its first 22 years in the heart of downtown Tyler?

When TJC opened its doors in 1926, classes were held at Tyler High School, which had been built in 1912 on South College Avenue. TJC shared the high school campus with Tyler Junior High School as the young college began to take root in the community.

On September 17, 1926, TJC welcomed its first 93 students and nine faculty members. For the next two decades, college students walked the same halls and gathered in the same buildings as Tyler’s high school students.

It was a humble beginning for an institution that would eventually become a cornerstone of East Texas higher education.

By the mid-1940s, TJC was ready for a campus of its own. In 1945, Tyler voters approved the creation of an independent junior college district and a $500,000 bond issue. Three years later, in 1948, TJC moved to its present campus, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

Today, it’s easy to look across the TJC campus and see 100 years of growth. But it all started in a high school building in downtown Tyler.

From one shared campus to a century of history — this is where the TJC story began. 🖤💛

09/01/2026

Since Sept. 17, 1926, TJC has successfully served the community, positively impacting generations of students pursuing their educational goals. The TJC community is uniting to support its annual TJC Giving Day, culminating on the College’s 100th anniversary, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. In honor of TJC’s centennial legacy, please give $19.26 or more to the TJC Impact Scholarship Fund. Together our gifts will help ensure the continuing success of students throughout East Texas. Make an impact today: http://tjc.edu/givingday

Haylie Horton is a proud Tyler Junior College alumna whose time on campus helped lay the foundation for her entrepreneur...
09/01/2026

Haylie Horton is a proud Tyler Junior College alumna whose time on campus helped lay the foundation for her entrepreneurial career. During her years at TJC, she was a member of the Apache Marching Band and Wind Ensemble that made school history as the first junior college band invited to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tyler Junior College in 2020 before continuing her education at The University of Texas at Tyler, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Today, Haylie is the owner of Studio 16 Marketing, a digital marketing agency that partners with businesses and organizations to elevate their brands through social media management, content creation, and business management strategies. She is grateful for the relationships and continued opportunities she gained from TJC, which helped pave the way for her career as a business owner.

One of our favorite things about the alumni from our Surveying and Geomatics Program is that they purchase textbooks for...
08/31/2026

One of our favorite things about the alumni from our Surveying and Geomatics Program is that they purchase textbooks for the incoming freshman every year. At over $250 per book, our surveying alumni really help out the students and contribute to their success. Today, we gathered to hand out those books and enjoyed getting to see everybody!

Homecoming is one of our favorite times of year—and this year, it’s extra special! 🖤💛 We’re celebrating 100 years of Tyl...
08/31/2026

Homecoming is one of our favorite times of year—and this year, it’s extra special! 🖤💛 We’re celebrating 100 years of Tyler Junior College and bringing generations of Apaches together for a Centennial Homecoming you won’t want to miss.

Get ready to show your Apache pride with the official Homecoming shirt! Whether you’re coming back to campus for the weekend, cheering on the Apaches, reconnecting with old friends or celebrating from wherever you are, this is the perfect way to be part of the celebration. Grab yours now and get ready to Soar Through the Decades with TJC! 🪶🎉

Don’t wait—get your Homecoming shirt at https://bit.ly/3UijZyW

Jimmy Butler’s journey to the NBA began at Tyler Junior College, where he was a standout member of the Apache basketball...
08/28/2026

Jimmy Butler’s journey to the NBA began at Tyler Junior College, where he was a standout member of the Apache basketball team and graduated with the Class of 2008. After transferring to Marquette University, Butler went on to become one of the NBA’s most accomplished players, earning multiple NBA All-Star selections, All-NBA honors and a reputation as one of the league’s premier two-way players. His career has included memorable runs with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors.

Butler’s connection to TJC has remained strong. He was inducted into the TJC Sports Circle of Honor, recognizing his remarkable athletic career and impact on the college. In 2024, Butler and Li-Ning brought his TJC roots full circle through a uniform and footwear sponsorship for Apache basketball, helping put the TJC name and his own story on a national stage. From an Apache to an NBA star, Butler’s journey is one of determination, talent and a lasting connection to the college where it all began.

Address

1400 E 5th Street
Tyler, TX
75798

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19035102588

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