Published Oct. 13, 2021
Want to go?
WHAT: Opening of The Warhawk Wardrobe, A Professional Career Closet for ULM students
WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19.
WHERE: ULM Library, room 201E
INFO: Hope Young, 318-342-5445, hyoung@ulm.edu
The University of Louisiana Monroe First Lady Christine Berry, Ph.D., knows making
a good impression is essential at a job interview. When a job candidate feels good
about their appearance and attire, it comes through as confidence – which is vital
in an interview.
"Having access to a professional wardrobe will help to remove a significant barrier
to ULM students when interviewing for an internship or a full-time position," Berry
said.
The Warhawk Wardrobe grew from a conversation into a clothes closet filled with quality
apparel for students. Berry thanked those who made the project a priority.
"The generous donations of our faculty, staff, and community will not only ease the
financial burden on our students, but it will also provide students with high-quality,
professional attire. Thanks to ULM's Career Center Director Kristin Chandler, for
making this dream of mine a reality," she said.
Berry enlisted the assistance of Valerie Fields, Ed.D., Vice President for Student
Affairs, and Chandler to create a space where people can donate appropriate, gently
used business attire for students to choose and keep for job and internship interviews
and professional events.
The unveiling of The Warhawk Wardrobe, located in the ULM Library, room 201E, will
be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19.
Fields said having appropriate clothing for students as they progress into their careers
is a potential "a game-changer."
"As we continue to magnify Warhawk Student Life, it is a delight to champion First
Lady Berry's vision with the Career Center. Providing access to business attire for
our students right on our campus can be a game-changer," Fields said. "We have found
that students have the knowledge and the skill sets that employers are seeking. Attire
is a huge component of setting the tone for the interview, and our students will be
ready. Thanks to all who participated in naming and selecting the logo."
President Ron Berry and Dr. Berry donated furniture for The Warhawk Wardrobe, and
Fields donated a clothes rack and hangers. For a list of recent donors supporting
the professional career closet, visit ulm.edu/careercenter/warhawkwardrobe.html. Vavette Owens, a graduate student in history and an educator in Killeen, Texas,
won The Warhawk Wardrobe logo contest. Srdjan Marjanovic, Creative Director for the
Office of Marketing and Communications, created the final logo design based on Owens’
submission.
Chandler said The Warhawk Wardrobe embodies the ultimate goal of the Career Center
– student success.
"The Career Center focuses on a holistic approach to career development, assisting
students with becoming career-ready with a well-organized resume, interview skills,
job search strategies, and understanding the importance of personal branding and dressing
professionally," Chandler said. "All of these entities must work together for our
students to successfully enter a competitive job market. The Warhawk Wardrobe is a
tremendous asset for the Career Center in providing top-notch services to our students
and fully preparing them to seek their desired opportunities."
Donations are welcome from ULM employees, alumni, and community professionals.
Donations
Donations should be cleaned or dry cleaned. Donated items should be in good-to-excellent
condition and current with fashion. Black, gray, navy, beige/khaki, white, or other
neutral colors are preferred for business suits.
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New or gently used clothing in the business casual to business professional range
for men and women, all sizes (unable to accept jeans and t-shirts)
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Men's and women's suits
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Blouses, shirts, and dresses
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Men and women's dress pants
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Belts, ties, accessories
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Gently worn shoes
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Men and women's undershirts and dress socks (new)
Where to donate
Donations can be delivered to the Career Center, Sandel Hall 139, during regular business
hours, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7:30-11:30 a.m. Friday.
Tax-deductible donation forms are available at the Career Center. A valuation guide
to help estimate the value of the donation will be provided.
If donated attire is not utilized after a reasonable amount of time, or if the clothing
is not professional, it will be donated to a consignment/thrift store.
Monetary donations
Monetary donations are accepted for The Warhawk Wardrobe to purchase clothing and
for maintenance. For information, contact the Career Center at 318-342-5338 or careercenter@ulm.edu, or the ULM Foundation at 318-342-3636 or foundation@ulm.edu.
Donations by check should be payable to ULM Foundation, memo line: Warhawk Wardrobe
Account and mailed to the ULM Foundation, 700 University Ave., Monroe, LA 71209.
Students ready to shop
The Warhawk Wardrobe hours are 8:30-10:30 a.m., and 12:30-2:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
Students unable to visit during regular hours can make an appointment with a wardrobe
specialist in the Career Center in Sandel Hall 139 or by calling 318-342-5338.
Facemasks must be worn at all times inside The Warhawk Wardrobe.
Clothing is free to all ULM students. Depending upon inventory, students may typically
choose one complete outfit per semester. Sizes and availability cannot be guaranteed.
ULM alumni may also utilize The Warhawk Wardrobe up to six months after graduation.
