Event provides professional attire for undergraduate students

Sharn Vericella and the rest of the James M. Hull College of Business faculty are always telling their students, “Dress for success.”

With help from Augusta University faculty, staff, community members and a former Augusta resident, the college presented its inaugural Fit for the Future event for undergraduate students on Feb. 25 at the Dr. Roscoe Williams Ballroom in the Jaguar Student Activities Center.

The event, which was attended by more than 175 students, gave them the opportunity to peruse racks of donated professional clothing and select a shirt or blouse, pants, shoes, socks, belt and jacket free of charge.

Javonté Coleman grew up in the Augusta area and has given away professional apparel to the community for four years now. She had no previous ties to AU, but wanted to find a way to give back to the students. 

In college, Coleman studied abroad in Berlin, Germany, and while there, attended an event where clothing was being donated to the community.

“I was so inspired, so when I returned to the States, I wanted to do something similar,” said Coleman, who lives in Washington, D.C. and works as a freelance stylist and image consultant. “I worked in corporate for a couple of years and I thought it would be best to partner with a college and give back to students entering into their careers. Most students do not have the funds or resources needed to curate a quality wardrobe at the start of their careers, so that’s why I reached out to AU, and I’m glad I did.”

Vericella, who is the Director of College Engagement in Hull, is a second-generation college graduate who said his parents stressed education to him and his sister. As a working professional, Vericella always dresses professionally, saying he wants to “practice what he preaches.” His parents always encouraged him and his sister to give back where they could.

“First impression means everything,” he said. “I chose to work at United Way of the CSRA; it was always about giving back. That’s just how I was raised, it’s in the DNA.”

Local business owners and community members were credited for donating clothes, clothing racks and other materials needed for Fit for the Future, and Vericella explained that the goal is to grow the event annually. He also wants to possibly hold the clothing drive more than once a year and find a dedicated housing space for it.

“Knowing your character and the impact you want to make builds confidence. Know who you are first, and you will thrive.”

Javonté Coleman

The event was truly a collaborative effort, with Coleman helping to establish drop-off locations with two local businesses: Veronica’s Hair Salon, which her parents own, and Salon Sano.

“Hope [Salon Sano owner] has been very hands on in helping me collect donations, and I am thankful she agreed to be a drop off site,” Coleman said.

It was also a great way for students to grab some clothes to wear to the Jaguar Job Fair, which will be held at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Friday, March 20.

“The students will feel professional, which is now going to increase their self-confidence and their self-esteem,” Vericella said. “My father taught me a long time ago that students should be the lifeblood of everything we do while we’re working here. So, I’m constantly thinking of ways we can give back to our students here at Augusta University.”

Third-year business administration student Harsi Vyas and second-year business administration student Jennifer Beiza-Flores are both Hull Ambassadors. They represent the college in both internal and external community events and work to increase student involvement and engagement while fostering collaboration and mentorship among students.

Both students plan on utilizing the Fit for the Future event and think it’s a great opportunity for students to access professional attire in a convenient and supportive environment.

“Many of my friends and classmates are constantly seeking professional clothing for interviews and their workplace, however the price associated with it often causes them to be dissuaded from purchasing it,” Vyas said. “With this opportunity, I know students will appreciate the opportunity to get high-quality professional clothing with ease and no barriers.”

Beiza-Flores said when she first heard about the event, she was excited and felt inspired.

“I immediately recognized it as a meaningful opportunity to support students by providing access to free professional attire, which can make a significant difference when preparing for interviews and career events.”

The effort as a whole will transform lives and transform the community, said Vericella. Vyas agreed, saying it will not only help students, but also the greater Augusta community.

“By working together across the CSRA to support early career students, you are investing in both yourself and your community to prosper. I see this event as a way for students to feel supported by our community leaders who want to support Hull and our future promising leaders, and therefore give back to the community that has worked to support them in every way,” Vyas said. “My role as both a student and leader is to grow professionally with my community leaders and promote positive events such as these so my peers in a similar situation succeed as well.”

Coleman said she is extremely excited about AU students walking away with professional attire, explaining that image is important in the way people perceive one another and looking good “builds our confidence around our peers.”

“So the students being able to go on interviews, go to work and even networking events in quality clothing is going to give them a sense of belonging. I am grateful to be a part of it,” Coleman said. “Above all, believe that you have what it takes to succeed inside of you. Of course, looking well kept on the outside matters, but confidence comes from within. You must believe you belong before walking in the room. Even if you are just starting off and are nervous, stand firm and keep your curiosity alive. Knowing your character and the impact you want to make builds confidence. Know who you are first, and you will thrive.”