37th Annual Business Luncheon

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History of the Tougaloo College Business Luncheon

 

In the late 1980s, Tougaloo College’s business and corporate donor base remained mainly outside of the State of Mississippi. During the fall of 1987, the late Reverend Charlie Baldwin, Chaplain Emeritus, Brown University, a consultant to the College, urged senior administrators and the Board of Trustees to take steps to strengthen the College’s position in the local business community. While the vision was wholeheartedly endorsed, there was uncertainty about moving forward and mitigating the historical and apparent challenges. After several months of discussions among the administration and trustees, notably Vice Chair Reuben V. Anderson, it was decided that the best vehicle would be a noon-day luncheon where 25-50 key business leaders would attend.

The inaugural luncheon, held in 1987 in the Penthouse of the Jackson Hilton Hotel, was attended by 25-50 individuals. Encouraged by its success, the College’s leadership decided to make the luncheon an annual event in February 1988. Coordinated over the years by the Office of Institutional Advancement, the luncheon has become a signature event in the business community. The luncheon also serves as a platform for the College to recognize and express appreciation to companies, organizations, and individuals who have supported Tougaloo’s mission and vision.

Thirty-seven years forward, the Business Luncheon will bring together more than 300 businesses and community leaders, policymakers, and educators to exchange ideas on economic opportunities and challenges from a state, national, and global perspective. Increasingly, the global economy requires leaders and workers who are more productive, resilient, and learners for life. Tougaloo understands that actual work experience differentiates all students. The global experience tells future employers that students are risk-takers, explorers, and go-getters who have what it takes to work in unfamiliar environments. Institutions of higher learning and businesses must rise to the challenge of better-preparing students for post-baccalaureate success in ways that improve their lives and their communities and influence the global economy.

 

Sponsorship Levels for 37th Annual Business Luncheon

Sponsor Level Benefits
Leadership Sponsor
  • $50,000
  • One reserved VIP table seating 10
  • Business Luncheon Check Presentation
  • One VIP table seating 8 at the Gala
  • Eight Gala Sponsor Party passes
  • Logo/name placement on the website, sponsor boards, venue screens, and social media
  • Press and media recognition
Sustaining Sponsor
  • $25,000
  • One reserved table seating 10
  • One VIP table seating 8 at the Gala
  • Eight Gala Sponsor Party passes
  • Logo/name placement on the website, sponsor boards, venue screens, and social media
  • Press and media recognition
Ambassador Sponsor
  • $10,000
  • One reserved table seating 10
  • One table seating 8 at the Gala
  • Eight Gala Sponsor Party passes
  • Logo/name placement on the website, sponsor boards, and social media
  • Press and media recognition
Impact Sponsor
  • $5,000
  • One reserved table seating 10
  • One table seating 8 at the Gala
  • Eight Gala Sponsor Party passes
  • Logo placement on the website, materials, and social media
  • Logo/name on sponsor boards
Patron Sponsor
  • $2,000
  • One reserved table seating 10
  • Logo/name on sponsor boards
Individual Ticket
  • $125
  • Open seating