By Chris O’Grady
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College students will be able to shop for professional attire for job interviews and internships this April as the college will be hosting the fourth annual Suit Yourself Event. Organized by Student Life and Activities and Professor Jacqueline Beamen, the event allows students to shop for professional attire at no cost.
Beamen, an 11-year English professor and graduate of Camden County, had brought the idea over from past experiences. Beamen previously worked at a global accounting firm in Philadelphia that would host an annual suit drive which she enjoyed being involved with as she got to witness the satisfaction from “customers.” Beamen believed that this idea would work well at CCC because, “After all, students need interview-appropriate attire since they may be looking for a new job or joining the work force for the first time.” She reflected on her time as a student, a time which she didn’t have many interview-appropriate clothes, and joked how a suit drive would have probably helped her back then.
Students will be able to take home an outfit at no charge because the items have been donated by other students as well as staff. Some students who have donated clothes say it has been because they didn’t know what to do with the nicer clothes they’ve grown out of, while others have donated just to help. Donated items will be collected from March 25 to April 5 at the Student Life and Activities Office on the second floor of the College Community Center on the Blackwood campus. Donations range from jackets and pants, to accessories such as pocketbooks and belts, with various sizes available as well. Said Jackie Tenuto of the Student Life and Activities Office, “Students are guaranteed one full outfit.”
Beamen has said the event has been worthwhile since its start four years ago because each year the number of students who take advantage of the event has grown, so this year is expected to have a bigger turnout than last year. Students in the past have expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the event after they made a purchase or days later at the Student Life and Activities Office. “Some are even kind enough to send thank you letters, which is very humbling,” Beamen said.
The Suit Yourself Event will be held in Room 202 of the College Community Center on April 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as during the Job Fair on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Connector Building Atrium. Students interested in donating to the event or attending the event may call Beamen at 856-227-7000, ext. 4370 or visit the Student Life and Activities Office.

The donations for the Suit Yourself Event are collected in the Student Life and Activities Office. By Chris O’Grady, CCC Journalism Program
