Overflow Crowd at TJC Graduation Causes Frustration Among Families

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into frustration for some families at Tyler Junior College’s graduation ceremony this week, as an overflow crowd left several guests unable to see their loved ones walk the stage.

Held at Wagstaff Gymnasium, the venue quickly reached capacity, leaving dozens of family members to watch from overflow areas — or, in some cases, not at all. Social media posts and direct messages to TXAN 24 News show upset relatives voicing concerns about the lack of planning and limited access.

“We got there over an hour early and still couldn’t get in,” said one woman, whose niece was graduating. “They told us it was full and we had to watch on a screen. That’s not what you expect after traveling all this way.”

TJC officials had promoted the ceremony heavily, but some attendees say the school didn’t provide enough guidance about limited seating. The college did offer a livestream, but many families said they would have appreciated ticketing or clearer communication about space constraints.

One goer told TXAN, “I went out to get my brother and then came back in and they wouldn’t let us in—that’s a big moment you don’t get back.”

TXAN 24 News will reach out to TJC for comment.