Texas Southmost College will celebrate 95 years of service to the Lower Rio Grande Valley with a free community event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30 at the TSC Performing Arts Center. Hosted by the TSC Board of Trustees, guests will be treated to food, live music and a fireworks show.
TSC Board of Trustee Chair and TSC alumnus Ruben Herrera said the event will celebrate the milestones of the past 95 years as well as the accomplishments of today.
“It’s impressive to see how TSC has thrived,” Herrera said. “Few could have imagined how the college would evolve from its humble beginnings 95 years ago. I look forward to its continued growth and positive impact on the community during the many years to come.”
Today, students at TSC have access to multiple academic programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), humanities, health professions and a variety of workforce programs. And, because TSC is a comprehensive community college, students can choose from a variety of pathways to earn a college credential including academic degree programs with courses that transfer to any university in Texas, workforce degree programs and customized training programs that help graduates secure employment and leisure learning classes.
“Since its establishment 95 years ago, TSC continues to meet the evolving academic and workforce training needs of the region,” said TSC President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez. “One thing has remained constant over the years: TSC’s commitment to providing a high-quality, affordable education close to home.”
The college was founded in 1926 as the first institution of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley. Students attended college classes, at what was then known as the Junior College of the Rio Grande Valley, at the local high school building on Palm Blvd. In 1930, the college became the first accredited community college in Texas.
The 1940s brought about extraordinary growth, with soldiers returning from the war flocking to the college. Later in that decade, the college had a new name, Texas Southmost College; a new home, the grounds of old Fort Brown; and a separate taxing entity that would ensure its viability into the future.
Working collaboratively, the TSC Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and administration are unwavering in their mission to transform local communities through innovative learning opportunities.
In the past few years, the TSC board has lowered tuition two times, making TSC the most affordable institution of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley; lowered the tax rate for property owners; supported students financially through tuition discounts and waivers and other initiatives during the COVID-19 global pandemic; and approved $23 million for new state-of-the-art workforce labs and active learning classrooms.
“TSC’s future remains bright. We have a supportive board of trustees and powerhouse team in place to continue building education and career pathways that serve our students, industry partners and communities throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley,” said Rodríguez.
TSC will continue its celebration of the 95th anniversary throughout the year.