Many more University of Vermont students are now dressed for career success thanks to a program through the Grossman Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) at the Grossman School of Business.
On Thursday November 4th, GSAC members held their second Professional/Business Clothing Sales Event, which gave UVM students the opportunity to purchase affordable professional clothes. Students had a wide variety of gently used business clothing to select from thanks to the generous support and donations from across the UVM campus, Burlington community, and members of the Grossman Board of Advisors. The event raised more than $3,000, and proceeds will support future GSAC initiatives and events such as putting on the Dean’s Cup, the Peer Mentorship Program and additional clothing sales like this.
The event was founded by ’19 GSAC President, Maddie Stoops. “When I came in as a first-year student to the business school, I had no professional clothes, no suit, blouses, trousers or anything” she said. Current senior Clay Lerner echo’s the same concerns saying, “within the first month or two of being in classes, I had to dress for a presentation, and I actually didn’t have a nice, collared shirt, so I had to call my mom and had her mail me one.” Lerner has both benefitted from the program and now helps organize it.
The goal for GSAC is helping students avoid a panicked phone call in the future, by trying to ensure students have access to affordable professional clothing in their first academic year at UVM.
GSAC member Lana Al-Namee found that “many local businesspeople, alumni, retiring attorneys, and community members were very willing and happy to see business professional clothing be passed on to the next generation.” Al-Namee notes that business attire can be expensive and not everyone can afford it, so initiatives like this can go a long way. She said, “I’m really excited to see how we can service more students in the future.”
It is hoped another professional clothing sales event will be held in 2022, so keep an eye open on Grossman social channels for the exact date and time.