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89(R) SR 624 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
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
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 31, 2025.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate