On Thursday, November 2 several Kean University organizations hosted the Fall Cougar Pop-Up Shop in the Miron Student Center, Room 228. The event was hosted by the Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation, Career Services, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Kean’s Bridge to Success, Kean Wellness Center, and Cougar Connections Center of Social Work. From 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., students were able to shop around for professional clothing free of charge. The event was an incredible success with numerous students taking advantage of the opportunity to receive free clothing and styling advice from faculty and staff assisting with the event.
Viviana Zambrano, associate director in the Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation, explained what the Fall Cougar Pop-Shop was all about. “It gives students the opportunity to shop for free professional clothing.
Students were able to shop for at least 10 items...The faculty and staff volunteers that came in were helping style students and answering questions about neck size and whether this was the right look. “We don’t tell students what it means to look professional. That really depends on your own personal style as well as what industry you’re going into,” said Zambrano.
She also stated that when looking over the check-out surveys, there is a shared feeling of thankfulness amongst those who participated in the event.“What we see a lot in that survey is students just being grateful for the opportunity to have access to these items.”
The clothing items and accessories were new or gently used donations from faculty and staff on campus and their friends. The room was filled with ties, pants, shirts, makeup, jewelry, shoes, and racks of clothing for everyone. There were also dressing rooms for Kean students to try the clothes on and see how they looked.
Several students like fifth-year student Micheal Diaz from Hamilton, NJ, an architecture and design major, enjoyed the Pop-Up Shop and appreciated the opportunity it granted to all students “I think it’s a great opportunity for people to get professional wear. Now that freshmen are coming in; it gives them the opportunity to start looking for jobs on campus now that they have that sort of attire. So, I think it’s very helpful.”
Kendual Robinson from Jersey City, a Theatre major took advantage of the suits that were available. “I think it’s pretty cool. I’m a suit guy so I was able to get two suits some pants...and some nice ties. I think it’s a really good yearly thing around here on campus for those who can’t afford a lot of different things," said Robinson.
The Fall Cougar Pop-Up Shop was a remarkable success in being able to help students with a need for professional clothing and accessories. With such a significant turnout, Kean Cougars look forward to the next Pop-Up Shop.
