The Student Union is welcoming back an essential campus resource in the Student Connection and Support Center: the Campus Clothing Closet.
The grand reopening showcased pieces from the closet on student models during a fashion show, providing attendees a sneak peek as to what the renovated space has to offer.
“I think the big thing about student retention and success is, first off, they feel more confident when they pick out an outfit that really is them,” said Campus Clothing Closet Coordinator Leslie Kennemer. “As we could see in the models you could see their personality in it, and it gave them swagger when they walk out because they picked out that outfit.”
Noemi Tapia, a regular at the closet and one of the models, explained the themes helped them choose their outfits for the fashion show and gave them the opportunity to be seen in a positive light.
“It was really fun that they let us have full creative output,” Tapia said. “I feel like it just made everybody feel like they had something.”
Renovations replaced the old closet with a new atmosphere and experience for students who visit. Shade Hines, another model, said that nothing from the old closet remained. The renovated space features a new aesthetic, with mounted racks replacing mobile racks, a masculine cut section, a vinyl on the wall, mood lighting and speakers have entered the closet.
“This is a thrifting, cool shopping experience, is what I want the vibe,” Kennemer said. “If you look in the closet, we have quotes that say ‘Wear the outfit, you are the occasion.’”
Kennemer’s goal for the closet goes beyond just finding clothes, building students’ confidence and success plays a more significant role in the closet.
“Feeling good about their clothes, I think, will help them with job interviews, with internships, with going out and meeting new people,” Kennemer said.
Hines said the closet aims to support students throughout their college journey.
“So our goal is to create an area where students can express themselves, how they feel comfortable, by having that closet resource available, as well as others, and being open to how you see that fit into your student life,” Hines said.
Donations for the closet come from professors, alumni, campus visitors and community members. The closet is also highly accessible. Students can book an appointment or drop in and receive up to 10 free items per semester.
“So I think it gives students that confidence, and then not having to worry about money and budget,” Kennemer said.
The closet gives students an opportunity for self-expression by finding styles in a private space. However, if you need help, students can also turn to staff in the center for advice and styling ideas.
“I feel like outfits are part of our everyday, and learning how to build a presentable outfit where you can walk into an office space and feel comfortable, go to more formal events, and have that impact of looking more striking, bold, sleek, niche, whatever you’re going through for your outfit in the closet something can help kind of cultivate that,” Hines said.
The closet currently sees four to five appointments per day; Kennemer hopes the numbers increase to 10 to 15.
“I hope in the future my goal is for it to be used like the [Campus Food] pantry, and that everyone feels comfortable, and is not ashamed to come out,” Kennemer said.
