Tyler Junior College Alumni Association

Happy Father's Day to all your dads out there! We hope you have a blessed day.

As one of only 21 institutions nationwide in the large community college category, TJC has earned Military Friendly Gold status for 2024-25. This honor furthers TJC’s mission to provide veterans, their families and the military community with opportunities to fulfill their personal and career goals.

Read more: https://buff.ly/4emdhgA

Here's a group of former students hanging out near the bell tower.

Meet Andrew Mathews, one of the newest board members to TJC's Alumni Association. Andrew, a native of Jasper, Texas, is passionate about politics and outdoor pursuits.

"While attending TJC, I was a member of the TJC choir, served as the Vice President of Turning Point USA and was nominated for Student Leader of the Year at the 15th Annual Student Leadership Banquet. I am currently pursuing a major in Business Management, a field that I am passionate about and eager to excel in. My father, who attended TJC in the mid-1970s, led me to attend as well.

In my personal life, I am a proud member of the First Methodist Church in Jasper, Texas, and the Treasurer of the Smith County Young Republicans as well as an enthusiastic supporter of conservation efforts as a Ducks Unlimited committee member in Jasper. Growing up on a ranch has instilled in me a love for the outdoors, and I find joy in activities like hunting and fishing. In 2022, I was an es**rt in the Texas Rose Festival, adding a touch of elegance to my journey. Finally, this spring, I was honored to be nominated to serve as a Tyler Junior College Alumni Association Board member."

We will begin our 98th year this fall so who wants to be a part of TJC history?

Applying for classes at TJC is easy. Our application is free, online, and takes 10-15 minutes to complete, or come to the White Administration Services Center (WASC) building for in-person assistance to help you with your higher education journey.

A few weeks ago, TJC alum Tyger Santana made his debut in the MLS and now plays for the Charlotte FC. Congratulations Tyger! Way to make TJC proud.

Nathan Hogan graduated from TJC on May 10 and was one of two recipients in the local Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter to receive the LSAMP Summer Research Academy internship at UT El Paso. After working this internship for the summer, he will then attend Texas Tech in the fall.

Nathan gave us his new email address and won this raffle basket. Do you want to stay connected with TJC? Update your email at tjc.edu/alumni.

It's National Smile Day!!! Look at how happy these Apaches are! 😁

As we close out Dental Care Month, meet Holly Crumpton, BSDH RDH! She graduated from Tyler Junior College at the top of her class. While in school, Holly received the highest honor, the Dental Hygiene Excellence Award in recognition of Superior Patient Care. She works at Mosaic Dental Care and prides herself in being a compassionate hygienist.

In her free time, Holly enjoys spending time with family and friends. She married her husband, Kevin, in 2013 and both are active members of their church. They have three young children, Reagan, John, and Clayton.

TJC recently recognized its ninth class of Rusk High School graduates to attend TJC on the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise Scholarship.

The first program of its kind in Texas, the Rusk Promise covers up to two years at TJC for Rusk students who graduate in the top half of their class with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Qualifying students must also reside in Rusk ISD and must have attended Rusk High School for grades 11 and 12.

Happy Memorial Day! We are thankful for all of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for America's freedom 🇺🇸

Former students, professors, family and friends traveled to Tyler on Monday to celebrate Professor Julie Mettlen. After 45 years of teaching in the Dental Hygiene department, Julie has decided to retire and step into the next season that life has to offer her. It was clear by the large turnout that Julie is very loved and will be missed at TJC.

It's National EMS Week so let's introduce you to Avoree Oliver.

"I am a Paramedic who just graduated from the TJC’s Emergency Medical Services program. I started my journey into EMS in 2023 when I completed EMT school. Immediately after, I went into the Paramedic program where I had the best time in my life. I had the most amazing teacher Mr. Miles, who was extremely supportive, helpful, and knowledgeable. Choosing TJC to further my career was the best decision I could have made. My teacher always had an open door policy and it truly made all the difference. He was very involved in our education and truly set us up for success.

I feel the kind of support and time our teachers were able to give us were truly valuable and something I could only receive at Tyler junior college. I have had nothing but pleasant experiences at TJC’s EMS program. I am truly blessed to have the privilege to get to know the amazing teachers and staff. If it were not for them I wouldn’t have the career opportunities that I have ahead of me now." -Avoree Oliver

Throwback to 2013 when TJC's Apache Belles performed at the Dallas Cowboys halftime show.

We had such a fun time honoring our new graduates last week at the Commencement Reception! We had great weather and tasty cookies. Congratulations class of 2024!

We want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there! Thank you for all you do.

We're putting together the final pieces for the big day! Tomorrow, these seats will be filled with the newest TJC graduates, and the stands crowded with their friends and families. We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🎓

As we prepare for tomorrow's commencement ceremonies, take a look at the original graduating class of 1927. Charles Brogan, Mattie Brown Hargrove, Mamye Kennedy, Elizabeth Laughlin, Lena Palmore, Ina Roberts, Lee Smith, Lena Solomon, Joe Ella Butler (not pictured).

The countdown is on. Only 3 days left until we have a lot more TJC Proud members of the Alumni Association!

If you are a graduate, we want to stay in touch with you! Update your email address at buff.ly/3xUcTFt.

Legendary Texas songwriter and country music artist Rodney Crowell will join your East Texas Symphony Orchestra for this special concert June 22nd celebrating Will Jennings! Crowell and Jennings collaborated on many songs, including “Please Remember Me” which was later made popular by Tim McGraw. (Reached number one of the Billboard Country Singles for 5 weeks straight) Crowell will be performing some of your favorite songs that he co-wrote with Jennings live alongside the ETSO.

ETSO will also be joined by TJC Alumni and soloist Julianne Casey for an unforgettable performance! Tickets available: ETSO.org

TJC graduation is this Friday, May 10 and one lucky graduate, Camille Marlin, has been named as the recipient of the Brookshire transfer scholarship to SMU.

Read more: https://buff.ly/3wpJvqc

Attention TJC Nursing graduates of 1984!! There will be a 40 year class reunion in a few weeks. Join us on May 18, 11am at Potpourri House in Tyler. Please message us for RSVP info.

May is National Dental Care Month. Did you know that TJC offers its own dental clinic? The services are $20 per semester and provided by dental hygiene students under the supervision of a general dentist and registered dental hygienists.

The clinic will start back up in the Fall semester so be on the lookout!

Congratulations to TJC alum Randi Shaw. She was just awarded as Teacher of the Year for Forney ISD.

"My relationship with TJC started in high school when I was awarded a Top Ten Scholarship to attend my first two years of college. That scholarship set me on the path of learning and essentially to where I am today. While working on multiple Associates degrees, I met Dr. Judy Barnes who acted as my advisor, constantly encouraging me to follow my strengths. After obtaining my Bachelors Degree, I had a hard time finding a teaching position so my mother encouraged me to go back to Tyler Junior College and finish the Interpreter Training program that I had started years before with Dr. Barnes. From that moment, my life revolved around everything American Sign Language, and the importance it meant to be an interpreter for those who needed us. As a certified interpreter, I worked in a number of settings. However, the classrooms of TJC were where I spent most of my time. Seeing some of the struggles our Deaf students faced, I decided to pursue my Masters in English to possibly teach Literature and Composition to Deaf students. At the end of my Master's journey, all the while working feverishly as an interpreter in the community, another opportunity opened up for me that was unexpected. While attending a job fair, the position of ASL teacher was suggested and my journey turned slightly. As a result, I have taught English as a TJC adjunct professor for five years, and an ASL teacher for the last ten years; six at Whitehouse ISD and four at Forney ISD. I'm still on this journey of education, and I know that without my experiences and education from Tyler Junior College, I wouldn't have been Forney High School's Teacher of the Year for 2024. Thank you, TJC, for all you have done for me and my family." -Randi Shaw

We want to welcome the newest members to the TJC Alumni Association! As new Lifetime Gold members, they now receive discounts, free entry to TJC events and many more benefits. If you would like to join the Alumni Association, go to tjc.edu/alumni.

The TJC Wind Ensemble students and directors reflect on history-making performance and its aftermath.

Read more: https://buff.ly/3w7O4FC