Tougaloo, Miss., January 21, 2021 - Tougaloo College will host its 33rd annual Business
Luncheon on Thurs. Feb. 18 at 11:45 a.m. at the Jackson Hilton (1001 E. County Line Road). This year’s luncheon will be an in-person event; however, the guest speaker will offer a virtual, fireside chat-style address.
Themed “Innovative Partnerships: Sustaining Our Legacy, Pathway To Our Future”, the annual luncheon serves as one of Tougaloo’s signature events, regularly attracting hundreds of attendees from the Mississippi business community each year. As part of the luncheon, prominent private and public sector businesses and leaders are recognized for their individual accomplishments and contributions to the business community.
“It is indeed an honor to have world-class business leader, Microsoft Corporation Chairman John Thompson, share his perspective on improving global competitiveness and innovation with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and business partners. We are equally pleased to forge a relationship with Microsoft, a corporation with a well-respected brand, to increase college opportunity and success for students seeking a transformative educational experience,” said Carmen J. Walters, Ph.D., president of Tougaloo College. “Our business partners provide a gift that helps advance our teaching and research. Through our innovative business and industry partnerships, we know our students are working on cutting-edge technologies and reinforcing learned knowledge with hands-on experience from industry leaders, both inside and outside the classroom, giving our students an advantage necessary for success within any industry. Business and education strategic partnerships create a win-win situation for both entities, and more importantly, for our students.”
John W. Thompson, board chair of Microsoft Corporation, will serve as this year’s guest speaker. Recognized and respected as a global business leader, Thompson brings over 40 years of experience in the technology industry. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Virtual Instruments. Prior to this role, he was chairman and chief executive officer of Symantec, during which time he helped transform the company into a leader in security, storage and systems management solutions. A graduate of both Florida A&M University and MIT’s Sloan School of Management, Thompson currently serves as a venture partner with Lightspeed Venture Partners and serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Wetland America Trust.
Sponsorship opportunities for the business luncheon are now available, with varying sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Individual tickets are also available for $100.00 each. For more information on the 33rd annual Business Luncheon, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase individual tickets, please contact Sanette L. Langston, director of development, at (601) 977-7907 or by e-mail at sllangston@tougaloo.edu.
