The year is 1926—the midst of the Roaring Twen– ties, the decade “The Great Gatsby” defined, and Amer– ica is just on the cusp of the stock market crash. A little closer to home, this year is also the birth of Tyler Junior
College. After 85 years of continuing excellence in edu– cation, TJC proudly announced this incredible anniver– sary will be marked this academic year and the begin- ning of what hopes to be its best year yet with special events throughout the year to celebrate.The continual celebration is aptly themed “Cel– ebrating Our Past; Building Our Future.”
Considering its meager beginnings, TJC has grown into one of largest community colleges in the na– tion. Originally a part of the Tyler Public School System until 1945, TJC offered basic classes in liberal arts and practical courses in its early years.
With a small student body of not much more than a hundred in the beginning, the college has grown to a staggering 15,000 credit students each year with an extra 20,000 continuing education students annually. TJC now has over 50 areas of study in fields of health, nursing, business, and technology. With the countless choices and opportunities offered, the school has managed to fulfill its three promises: a quality education, a vibrant student life, and community service.
This long-time-coming accomplishment is definitely something TJC can boast about, and the school plans to host several events throughout the year to show it. Among them are the search for the Dr. Harry Jen- kins statue that was stolen in 1995, an 85th anniversary themed Homecoming, and the Tour for the Cure, which is described as a fitness and fundraising event at the college. To further promote its 85th anniversary and overall fitness in the community, TJC will host Tour for the Cure on Oct. 22. As a contributor to the City of Tyler’s Fit City Challenge Coalition, the event will focus on fundraising and fitness in Tyler.
People of all ages are welcome to join in this effort to aid the TJC’s thriving School of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as Tyler’s continued involve- ment with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The day proves to be one of fun and activity beginning at 8:30.
