TJC Alumni Association

Emma Lou (Wyatt) Prater’s connection to Tyler Junior College spanned a lifetime. A member of the Class of 1946, she returned to TJC as an employee and dedicated decades to student life and activities, retiring in 1989 as Student Activity Director. But her service to TJC didn’t end there. Emma Lou served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, remained active in TJC events and traditions, and was recognized with numerous honors, including the Black and Gold Award and a Special Recognition Award for her longtime dedication to the College.

Emma Lou’s love for TJC was evident in everything she did. She once described the College as her “first college” and spoke proudly of the special bond she shared with it. Her legacy continues today through the Emma Lou Prater Presidential Honors Scholarship, which helps incoming TJC students pursue their education and participate in the Presidential Honors Program. Her life was a testament to what it means to be an Apache—not just during your college years, but for a lifetime.

In today's episode of TJC Talks 1926, we’re talking all things TJC Centennial and the future of the college with Mitch Andrews, TJC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the TJC Foundation. Mitch shares insight into the Centennial Campaign, the impact of philanthropy on TJC students, and the incredible support from alumni, donors and friends of the college. As TJC celebrates 100 years, we look at the legacy we’ve built—and how today’s investments are helping shape the next 100 years of TJC.

🚨We have some exciting news!!

You asked and we heard you. With Homecoming coming up next month, we are preparing for the Drumbeat, a tradition that goes back to 1948. You and your family can sign up for a 1-hour shift and be part of the fun. 🎉

TJC students, faculty/staff, and now alumni volunteers can keep the drum beating 24 hours a day from the Monday morning of Homecoming Week until Saturday’s football game kickoff. 🏈

According to TJC lore, if the drumbeat remains constant until Saturday’s game, the Apaches will win; but if it stops, they will lose. 🪘

Sign up at tjc.edu/homecoming and bring your family! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

Last week, we celebrated 15 deserving recipients at the TJC Alumni Awards, including all seven of TJC’s presidents. Several of our honorees were recognized posthumously, with family members accepting their awards and helping us celebrate their lasting impact on TJC and the community.

One especially meaningful moment was seeing G.O. Clough’s granddaughters accept his award. As TJC’s founding president 100 years ago, his legacy is woven into the history of the college. Watching his granddaughters take in a room full of people celebrating TJC's history and see the impact their grandfather had on generations of Apaches was incredibly special.

For those who couldn’t attend in person, family members helped them join the celebration through FaceTime, allowing them to experience the evening and even take photos with their awards! With great food, live entertainment, fellowship, laughter and plenty of memories, it was truly a night to remember.

After graduating from Tyler Junior College, Judge Craig served his country in the United States Naval Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. He later attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a B.S. degree in Pharmacy from the University of Houston. He spent 25 years in retail pharmacy, including 10 years as the owner and operator of Craig Pharmacy.

Judge Craig continued his education at Tyler Junior College’s Reserve Law Enforcement Academy and the Police Academy at Kilgore College, where he became licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Education and Standards. In 1976, he assisted Sheriff J.B. Smith in organizing an active Sheriff’s Reserve program, which was twice recognized by the Reserve Law Officers Association of America for outstanding organization and service.

In 1986, Judge Craig was elected Smith County Judge, beginning a remarkable 16 years of service. He was re-elected in 1990, 1994 and 1998, becoming the first person in Smith County history to serve four terms as county judge.

His commitment to public service continued when then-Governor George W. Bush appointed him to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. In 1995, Governor Bush designated Judge Craig as chairman, a position he held for five years—the longest-serving chair in the agency’s history.

Feathers Up!

Sometimes the timing just isn’t right—and sometimes it takes 34 years to get it right. For TJC alums Kristi (Moore) and Ben Bronson, their story began on campus in the early ’90s. Ben was an All-Conference football receiver and baseball player, while Kristi became TJC’s 1992 Homecoming Queen and Texas Junior College Shrine Bowl Queen.

Ben remembers trying to get Kristi to stop and talk to him, only for her to smile, say, “Hey, Ben Bronson!” and keep walking. Their lives took them in different directions after TJC. Ben continued his athletic career at Baylor before playing professional football and baseball, while Kristi transferred to Grambling State University, where she became a cheerleader and Miss Cover Girl.

Their paths crossed again over the years, including at a TJC reunion in 2012, but the timing still wasn’t right. Then, in 2014, Kristi sent Ben a late-night social media message. Their first dinner date soon followed, and after 12 years together, they finally said “I do” on April 17, 2026, surrounded by family.

Today, Kristi is a Communications professor at Houston City College, and Ben owns BB Zone, a baseball training business. They’re enjoying their blended family, children and grandchildren—and still laughing about the girl who once walked past the guy trying to get her attention. Sometimes, the best love stories take the scenic route. Theirs was rooted at TJC.