President Juan E. Mejia & Meela Mejia
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NEWS OF THE TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE FOUNDATION DECEMBER 2019 PRESIDENT JUAN E. MEJIA & MEELA MEJIA Foundation Newsletter 20191120.indd 1 12/13/19 8:16 AM What’s Inside TJC Trustee Peggy Smith (right) and Meela Mejia present the new chain of office during the inauguration of President Juan Mejia. 8 3 12 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MY HEART WILL GO ON 4 14 A LEGACY CELEBRATION GOLF TOURNAMENT 8 On the Cover A NEW ERA PRESIDENT JUAN MEJIA & MEELA MEJIA On October 25, Dr. Juan E. Mejia was inaugurated as Tyler Junior 10 College’s seventh president. Photo by Donna Cummings. DREAM BECOMING REALITY 2 / TJC FOUNDATION • DECEMBER 2019 Foundation Newsletter 20191120.indd 2 12/13/19 8:16 AM From the Executive Director MITCH ANDREWS Vice President, Institutional Advancement Executive Director, TJC Foundation more students benefit from a higher education. Through the Campaign for the TJC Promise, individuals, busi- TJC FOUNDATION nesses and foundations are continu- BOARD OF DIRECTORS ing to give to ensure a well-educated David McCullough, Chair and trained workforce that will Billy Hibbs Jr., Vice Chair strengthen our region and state. Laura Hyde, Treasurer As we concluded the 2018–2019 Verna Hall, Secretary academic year, TJC family and friends Marilyn Abegg-Glass gathered to celebrate the visionary Jeff Buie leadership of retiring Chancellor and Kevin Eltife CEO Dr. Mike Metke. In honor of Dr. Amy Faulconer* Metke and Donna Metke, the Foun- Annette Findley dation continues to receive contribu- Rusty Fletcher tions to build a named endowment Lee Gibson that will provide scholarships in LaVerne Gollob Mitch Andrews perpetuity as part of the TJC Promise. Billie Hartley In October, we hosted the historical Martin Heines 2019 HAS BEEN QUITE A YEAR inauguration of Dr. Juan Mejia as the Dr. Paul Latta for TJC and the Tyler Junior College seventh President of the College. His Jim Lestor Foundation! This past spring, we inaugural activities and events set Mel Lovelady honored the acclaimed career of TJC Jimmy Murphy* the momentum for continued success alumnus, Will Jennings. “My Heart under his leadership and were broadly Andy Navarro Will Go On” was a special evening supported by the community. The fu- Joseph Z. Ornelas that paid tribute to his achievements ture is bright as we strive for one TJC, Paul Owen and supported the Campaign for the united in a vision for greatness! Sheryl Rogers Palmer Performing Arts. The Campaign has Jim Perkins benefitted from a dedicated steering Yes, 2019 has been a whirlwind, and I Sam Roosth committee, and generous contribu- am truly grateful to our contributors. Tom Seale tors giving toward the Rogers Palmer Your continuing support through Ted Walters* Performing Arts Center. In June, we the Tyler Junior College Foundation Dr. Sherilyn Willis ensures that TJC will thrive and serve broke ground on the new, community EMERITUS DIRECTORS the growing educational needs of facility and will celebrate the grand Harold Beaird East Texas. opening during January of 2021. Dr. Sam Houston The TJC Promise continues to build I look forward to a prosperous 2020! Nancy Lunceford the college-going culture! With only Sincerely, Eleanor Stringer 35% of East Texans possessing a * Joined 2019 postsecondary credential, six commu- nities have partnered to ensure that DECEMBER 2019 • TJC FOUNDATION / 3 Foundation Newsletter 20191120.indd 3 12/13/19 8:16 AM A Legacy Celebration The evening was a celebratory tribute L egacy to the successful 12-year tenure of Dr. Metke and his wife, Donna, and was hosted within the Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center. 250 guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, spirits and the sounds of the Dr. Larry T-Byrd Gordon Orchestra and Show Band. Guests also had the opportu- nity to purchase a raffle ticket to win the Metkes’ 1926 Ford Model-T with all proceeds benefiting student schol- arships at TJC. A tribute program honored Dr. Metke, with College trustee David Hudson announcing the future dedication of Metke Drive on the main campus, for- mer student Clifton Henry remarking on Dr. Metke’s impact on countless TJC students and incoming presi- dent Dr. Juan Mejia recognizing the tremendous accomplishments of the Chancellor and CEO. Under his lead- ership, TJC has experienced historic growth, including record enrollment of 12,270 students; a revitalized Pres- idential Honors Program attracting almost 300 academically talented stu- dents; development of the TJC Prom- Dr. Metke with his 1926 Model T ise, serving six East Texas commu- nities with 3,223 students currently participating; ambitious capital initia- tives including a significant infrastruc- n its 93-year history, TJC has benefitted from a legacy of exceptional lead- ture project at the Main Campus and ership that has built the community’s college, an institution dedicated to satellite sites in Rusk, Jacksonville and meeting and exceeding the educational needs of Tyler and East Texas. On Lindale; major building projects such May 31, 2019, TJC family and friends gathered to say goodbye to Chan- as the state-of-the art Rogers Nursing Icellor and CEO, Dr. Mike Metke. As only the sixth Chancellor/President of the & Health Sciences Center that serves College, Dr. Metke has had an undeniable impact on TJC and higher education a more than $3 billion local medical within the region. 4 / TJC FOUNDATION • DECEMBER 2019 Foundation Newsletter 20191120.indd 4 12/13/19 8:16 AM Legacyindustry, the Energy Center at TJC West that offers training in the latest industry standards, an expanded student community with Crossroads Residence Hall and the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center that will sup- port and build a thriving arts culture in East Texas. At the conclusion of the program, chair of the Tyler Junior College Foundation, David McCullough, en- couraged all attending to participate in a giving opportunity that will pay tribute to Dr. Metke and Donna in Dr. Metke & Donna with special cake TJC graduate Clifton Henry shares Dr. featuring a 1926 Model T Metke’s impact on students. perpetuity. An anonymous contribu- tor has agreed to match all gifts dollar per dollar to a special endowment that will be named for the Metkes. This endowment will provide ongoing scholarships to deserving students as part of the TJC Promise program, which is building and strengthening the college-going culture in East Texas. So far, contributors have made almost $250,000 in commitments to honor the Metke legacy. Dr. Cheryl Rogers, Dr. Juan Mejia, Meela Mejia, Tisa Hibbs, Phyllis Weiss To honor Dr. Metke and Donna and their incredible service to TJC and East Texas, please give to their legacy endowment that will provide schol- arships in perpetuity to deserving students as part of the TJC Promise. To give today, please visit TJC.edu/ giving or contact Tara Parnell at (903) 510-3146. To enjoy more photos of the legacy event, please visit TJC.edu/ MetkeLegacy. Dr. Metke, Donna Metke, Annette Findley, Patricia Hampe, Dr. Clark Hampe Sr. DECEMBER 2019 • TJC FOUNDATION / 5 Foundation Newsletter 20191120.indd 5 12/13/19 8:16 AM A PROMISE THAT PAYS FORWARD Azalea Orthopedics Brookshire’s Azalea Orthopedics has made a generous commitment to Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) was founded by Wood T. serve as a Leading Partner to provide scholarships as part Brookshire, who opened the company’s first store on Sep- of the TJC Promise Partner program. “For the past seven tember 1, 1928, in downtown Tyler. Wood believed it was years, we have been honored to serve as the Title Spon- his calling to serve people through the grocery business sor for the annual scholarship golf tournament hosted and built BGC on a strong foundation of core values that by the Tyler Junior College Foundation,” stated Dr. Kim continue to guide the company today. Foreman. “The tournament provides the opportunity to support TJC’s efforts to educate our workforce. We are Since 1928, BGC has grown to more than 180 stores happy to increase our commitment as a Promise Partner under the Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brook- and provide scholarships to successful students in the TJC shire’s and Spring Market banners. BGC also operates Promise program.” distribution facilities and corporate offices in Tyler and employs more than 14,000 individuals. Azalea Orthopedics provides superior services, com- passionate care and exceptional treatment. With a team Following the founder’s example, BGC remains deeply comprised of dedicated physicians and orthopedic sur- committed to supporting its employees, customers and geons, Azalea is committed to providing high-quality care communities. The company’s giving program assists hun- throughout East Texas—from Mount Pleasant to Nacogdo- dreds of nonprofit organizations each year to support its ches. “We truly care for our patients and appreciate that primary causes of hunger relief, education, family health TJC cares about students and the educational needs of our and wellbeing, and military heroes and first responders. community.” Through their support as a Leading Partner, As part of their commitment to education, BGC is proudly Azalea is providing scholarships in perpetuity as part of serving as a Leading Partner for the TJC Promise. Their the new TJC Promise. generous support of the TJC Promise ensures the opportu- nity for higher education for more students in East Texas. THANK YOU NEW TJC PROMISE PARTNERS! To learn more about becoming a Promise Partner, please call Mitch Andrews at (903) 510-2249. 6 / TJC FOUNDATION • DECEMBER 2019 Foundation Newsletter 20191120.indd 6 12/13/19 8:16 AM RUSK TJC CITIZENS Promise Rusk Promise Scholars Class of 2019 Rusk TJC Citizens Promise Program Recognized as Star Award Finalist The Texas Higher Education Coordi- college going culture and ensuring tion. For instance, the overall com- nating Board’s (THECB) Star Awards that more students attain a higher pletion rate for the first 2014 cohort honor exceptional contributions education.