Tyler Junior College recognizes longtime supporters at board meeting
Longview dispatcher dies from cancer after 22 years of service
Jim and Margaret Perkins were honored on Thursday for supporting TJC through charitable giving like their recent contribution of a property in Rusk, their hometown. The 6,700-square-foot building located on South Henderson Street will help enhance the education of TJC students.
'The Perkins name is associated with paying it forward, and we truly appreciate and celebrate all that they do on behalf of others. The College's main plan encompasses our entire service area, and very important to our work is how we better serve the southernmost part of our region, specifically Rusk and Jacksonville, and their surrounding areas,' said TJC President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia said, 'Communities need champions, and the Perkins family came forward and gifted the property to the TJC Foundation, and today it is being transferred to the Tyler Junior College District.'
Mejia also recognized the previous contributions that Perkins has made to TJC's success over the years. Including when the couple won the Texas Higher Education Distinguished Service Award for the positive impact they've had on the state.
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Jim Perkins spoke about his and his wife's recognition and how the couple will continue to work to support TJC as the college continues to serve the community.
'When you receive an honor like this, the best thing about it is to be around people who work hard and embrace our efforts to make our communities stronger and stronger,' Perkins said. 'I've said before that, to me, Tyler Junior College is the best junior college in the United States. I thank the TJC Board, the TJC Foundation and the college community for their steadfast commitment to Rusk. We're going to stay fully behind it and ensure that TJC continues to be a leader in meeting the needs of our communities.'
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