On Tuesday, March 5 Kean Cougars were invited to attend the Spring 2024 Cougar Pop-Up Shop in the Miron Student Center, Room 228. The event was hosted by several organizations which were the Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation, Career Services, the 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 4:30 p.m., students could shop for free professional clothing and accessories. The Pop-Up Shop included items such as sweaters, dress pants, dresses, dress shirts, shoes, neckties, jewelry, and handbags.
Thairah Castillo, a Mathematics Education major and freshman from Paterson thought the Pop-Up Shop was a fun event that was able to help a lot of students.
“I think that this is a really fun and cool idea,” said Castillo. “When I heard about it, I was like oh my gosh, please I have to go because this is a great opportunity to provide students with stuff that they may not have the access to, and I just think it’s a really fun and cool idea honestly.”
Public Relations major and junior from Paterson, Andrea Velasquez, discussed how much she enjoyed finding pieces that matched her personal style.
“I really like it. I’ve been getting more into thrifting the last couple of years, especially because it’s more sustainable,” said Velasquez. “And the fact that I can find really cool pieces that really do resonate with my style. Lately, I’ve been liking to go more with patterns and like colors and vibrant...just bettering my style.”
She also shared where she would wear these clothes to. “I’m currently working in corporate. So, I feel like this is going to be really nice...It doesn’t have to be so office-y. I can wear things that resonate with my style. So, I’m really looking forward for the Summer especially to wear these clothes."
President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., made a special appearance at the Pop-Up Shop and expressed his excitement in the Kean community coming together to support Kean students.
“Overall thoughts, it’s amazing. I think it’s incredible when Cougars from all over the Kean ecosystem come together to support our students. And you see the clothing, it ranges from sizes to styles to boots and shoes. So that means that our diversity we have on our campus is shown through our clothing. And our students get an opportunity to go shopping,” said President Repollet, Ed.D.
“And these are all professional attire. We encourage everyone to come in and get a piece. Dress for success is important as you make the next level. We say Cougars Climb Higher is an example of us climbing higher because we’re pulling back and making sure we lift up others who may need clothing, especially students. So, we’re excited about it.”
The Spring 2024 Cougar Pop-Up Shop had a great turnout. Kean Cougars added and updated their professional wardrobe to dress for success and prepare for growth in their future careers.
