SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 624

WHEREAS, The students, faculty, and staff of Tyler Junior College are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the college's founding in 2026; and

WHEREAS, TJC traces its origins to September 17, 1926, when it began its inaugural school year with a class of 93 students; the college initially operated out of Tyler High School and offered courses in traditional liberal arts, public school music, and home economics; during its early years, the college established football and basketball teams, an outdoor recreation club, a campus newsletter, and the Las Mascaras drama club, which today has the distinction of being TJC's longest-running student organization; in addition, the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was chartered at the college in 1930, and it is now one of the oldest national honor society chapters in the nation; in 1945, voters in Tyler approved a measure to create a junior college district and establish a new campus for TJC; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the college has expanded to include two campuses in Tyler as well as locations in Lindale, Jacksonville, and Rusk; today, TJC serves more than 19,000 students each year, and it offers over 120 degree and certificate programs in fields such as health care, creative arts, communication, manufacturing, transportation, business, public service, and science and technology; during its spring 2025 commencement, the college awarded degrees and certificates to a record 1,689 graduates; and

WHEREAS, Students at TJC have the opportunity to participate in more than 40 clubs and organizations, including the Presidential Honors Program, Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa, Hispanic Student Organization, Black Student Organization, Student Nurses Organization, TJC band program, and TJC Wind Ensemble; the college also boasts a highly accomplished athletics program, with nearly 70 national championships; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, TJC has embraced a number of symbols to represent its fierce and enduring spirit; these include the Apache and the Harris's Hawk as well as the college's official mascot, Harry the Hawk, who was introduced in October 2022; moreover, generations of students have proudly participated in traditions such as the drumbeat, which is a collective effort to continuously keep a drum beating during homecoming week, and the Rim March, a performance by the Apache Band and Belles that takes place before football games; the college also commemorates special events and victories by lighting its iconic Ramey Tower in gold; and

WHEREAS, True to its mission, TJC seeks to provide a caring, comprehensive experience through educational excellence, stellar service, innovative programming, and authentic partnerships; among its many honors, the college was named one of the nation's top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program in 2017, and it earned Military Friendly Silver status for the 2025-2026 school year; and

WHEREAS, Over the past century, Tyler Junior College has provided students with a strong foundation on which to build successful careers and fulfilling lives, and it is a privilege to join in recognizing the institution on this special milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Tyler Junior College and extend to all those affiliated with the college sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Tyler Junior College as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate