Established in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement, the partnership has connected generations of students, faculty, staff, and alumni through academic exchange, research collaboration, leadership development, and a shared commitment to access. The 60th anniversary celebration honored the partnership's history, recognized its lasting impact and looked ahead to its future.
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Celebrating 60 years of the pioneering Brown-Tougaloo Partnership, a collaboration between Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, that provides opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the academics, culture and histories of these two distinctive institutions.
The Brown-Tougaloo community gathered on June 6, 2024, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., for a day of reflection, celebration and dialogue. The event featured alumni, students, faculty, institutional leaders and distinguished guests, including U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, actor and alumna Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Brown University President Christina H. Paxson and Tougaloo College President Emerita Beverly Wade Hogan.
The Brown-Tougaloo Partnership 60th Anniversary Colloquium Luncheon, held from noon to 3:30 p.m., included three panel discussions featuring leaders, educators and alumni from both institutions.
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson delivered remarks at the Brown-Tougaloo Partnership 60th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.
Brown-Tougaloo Partnership alumni Oscar Groomes (left) and Dr. Angel Byrd (right) shared their perspectives during an alumni panel moderated by Dr. Jeffrey Hines, a graduate of Brown's Warren Alpert Medical School.
Françoise Hamlin (left), Brown University Associate Professor of Africana Studies and History, spoke on a panel with Tougaloo alumna and former faculty member Daphne Chamberlain, moderated by Tougaloo College Archivist Tony Bounds.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson and Tougaloo President Emerita Beverly Wade Hogan engage in a panel discussion moderated by U.S. Rep Bennie G. Thompson.
The Brown-Tougaloo 60th Celebration Gala, held in the evening, featured remarks by the presidents of both Brown and Tougaloo and a performance by the Tougaloo College Chamber Singers.
After the colloquium, attendees returned for an evening gala.
Dr. Vanessa Britto, Brown's Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness, received a gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Galen Henderon, from Dr. Mukesh K. Jain, Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences at Brown.
Aunjanaue Ellis-Taylor, Brown-Tougaloo Partnership alumna and Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actor, emceed the 60th anniversary.
The Tougaloo College Chorale performed at the Brow-Tougalo Partnership 60th anniversary gala.
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The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University hosts an Early Identification Program (EIP) in Medicine that offers Tougaloo pre-med students a route to apply for early admission. The program provides fee waivers, MCAT waivers, application support and targeted recruiting on Tougaloo’s campus. Launched in 1976, the EIP continues to be a special highlight of the partnership, as one of the longest-standing active programs between the institutions.
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The Tougaloo College Chorale performed at the Brown-Tougaloo Partnership 60th anniversary celebration.
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In 2014, the Brown Tougaloo Partnership celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
For 60 years, the Brown-Tougaloo Partnership has demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration, educational access, and shared purpose. As the partnership enters its seventh decade, Brown and Tougaloo remain committed to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening a model that continues to inspire institutions across the country.