On Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Maddock Alumni Center, faculty, staff, and students gathered over a fall-themed lunch to celebrate the start of the semester and welcome the newest Tougaloo students to Brown’s campus. This fall, five Tougaloo students are attending Brown through the Semester Exchange Program, alongside nine Tougaloo students who are already enrolled in Brown’s medical program.

Among the guests was Anna Toombs, a senior at Tougaloo College participating in the Early Identification Program in Medicine (EIP). Through EIP, Tougaloo students spend the fall semester of their senior year at Brown, becoming acclimated to life in Providence before continuing into Brown’s four-year medical program.

For Anna, the gathering offered an early opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and students from across the partnership and learn more about the resources and support available to her during her time at Brown. “I am glad I was able to see faces I know I can turn to if I have any questions or need to reach out,” she shared. “Everyone was so open, helpful, warm, and inviting, so that was really nice.”

Between autumn decor and an upbeat playlist, the room was full of energy as returning members reconnected and newcomers settled in. To break the ice, Natalia Román Alicea, Director of Institutional Partnerships, hosted a lively game of human bingo–sparking friendly competition and quick conversations as attendees raced to find matches and win prizes. 

The gathering offered a warm start to the new academic year, creating space for members of the Brown-Tougaloo community to come together and connect before the busy semester kicks into full swing.