Thelma Sanders Scholarship Dance Committee is proud to announce our 2026 honoree – Coach Keith Barnes, Sr.
The Jackson-Tougaloo Alumni Chapter of the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association is proud to announce Keith Barnes Sr. as the distinguished 2026 honoree for the annual Thelma Sanders Scholarship Gala. A dedicated 1984 alumnus, Barnes currently serves on the President’s Cabinet as Tougaloo College’s Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Over his decades of impactful service as a collegiate administrator, high school principal, and championship-winning coach, he has remained fiercely committed to youth development, academic excellence, and the uplifting of his alma mater.
Join us in celebrating Coach Barnes’ incredible leadership legacy and investing in the next generation of Tougaloo scholars at this year’s signature scholarship event. Individual tickets are available for $75, and full tables of 8 can be reserved for $600. Supporters can also purchase commemorative ads for the souvenir journal ranging from $100 to $500, with all print-ready images due by December 16th.
Here is another way that you can support. Enter the DrawDown for your chance to win up to $2026. This is a REVERSE RAFFLE. Increase your chance of winning with multiple entries.
2025 Thelma Sanders Scholarship Gala
This Special Tribute, proudly produced by Tiara Jackson, ’25, Highlights the Accomplishments of last year’s honorees and their families.
We are Grateful for the Love and Support expressed toward our 2025 Honorees, Dr. Glake Hill, ’95, and Dr. Nicholas Hill, ’00—distinguished scholars, men of faith, and proud Tougaloo College alumni.
We hope you enjoyed the special tribute video produced by Tiara Jackson, ’25. Click here to view the 2025 TSSG Souvenir Journal.
The Legacy Continues…
For more than 60 years, the dance held the day after Christmas has been a beloved tradition—a time for friends and alumni to come together for a great cause. The Legacy Continues…Enjoy these videos from past events.
Thelma Sanders, entrepreneur, is pictured 2nd from the left.
