Texas A&M University – Commerce prides itself on preparing students for an interconnected world and now, thanks to a donation, the university can go one step further in helping students get their first job after graduation.

Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp has given $5,000 to A&M– Commerce to contribute to a new Suit Bank as a part of the university’s Career Closet, a service that loans professional clothing to students.

Aaron Mitchell, speaker of the student senate, brought the idea to Chancellor Sharp. Each university in the A&M System was awarded money to either start or contribute to an existing program.

“I had the privilege of attending a conference for the student governments of all the SEC schools this summer. We noticed the one really great program that some of these schools had that we did not was a ‘career closet’”, Mitchell said, “When I came back to College Station, we found out that there were already a group of students working on the project. We joined together with them, brought them into SGA, and were about to plug them in with a great support network. It really has been an amazing partnership thus far.”

“The $5000 Suit Bank contribution will allow us to purchase both male and female professional business suits in a variety of sizes allowing us to better serve our student’s needs,” Tina Boitnott, director of Career Development, said. “We will work with our Student Government Association to develop a loan policy for the Suit Bank to establish the length of time a suit may be on loan and a reimbursable deposit fee to ensure the suits are returned and in good condition. We will also continue to accept clothing donations and offer donated clothing to out students free of charge.”

“We hope and fully expect the Career Closet to play a crucial role for some students as they make their dreams a reality by pursuing a career,” says Mitchell, “It’s a shame that any student would be able to come to A&M and get a world-class education and not be able to interview to their full potential because of the attire they can afford.”

The Career Closet is located at Prairie Crossing Room 213. It is supported by Enterprise Rent-a-Car, as well as donations from the A&M Commerce campus and community. Currently, the closet is open on an as-needed basis for any student who needs assistance.