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ULM Warhawk Wardrobe outfits students with professional attire

MONROE, LA – 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 The 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 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. 

 

  • 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) 
  • Men's and women's suits 
  • Blouses, shirts, and dresses 
  • Men and women's dress pants 
  • Belts, ties, accessories 
  • Gently worn shoes 
  • 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.