Atlantic Cape’s Successful Campus Closet Initiative Moves to New, Larger Location in Student Center

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Campus Closet held a grand re-opening ceremony for its new, expanded and open boutique-style location in room G-223 on the second floor of the Student Center on the Mays Landing campus, November 20.

“We are excited to continue this effort and service to the students with a double, or triple, the size of the original closet in this former student affairs office area,” said Victor Moreno, Senior Manager of Special Projects, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.

Dr. Natalie Devonish, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, stressed the importance of this move.

“We have outgrown the original space mostly because there is a need. We want to make sure our students have what they need and have their needs met,” Devonish said. “We want them to look professional when they are ready for job interviews and when they are representing themselves. We are excited to bring this institutional effort to ensure that we focus on career services for every student.”

The move has also allowed the Campus Closet to offer a dressing room in G-217 for students to try on clothes they may be interested in.

Work study student, sophomore Communication major and Hospitality Club member Katherine “Kat” Jaques of Buena is excited for all that this new location will provide to the students on campus.

“I just love working here and I am so glad to be a part of this because it is so fulfilling to be able to help our students,” Jaques said. “When our students come in and they hear that we have free clothes for them they are just so excited and I love it. I love it for them and it’s so wonderful.”

The Campus Closet was created earlier this year under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Jeanine DiNardo as a way to provide lightly-worn professional clothes from men’s business suits, shirts, pants, ties and shoes to women’s dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, shoes and accessories for students currently enrolled at Atlantic Cape who may be in need of casual business attire for professional interviews, class presentations, events and various college-related activities.

Since its initial grand opening in February, the Campus Closet has helped outfit many students with professional attire for job interviews, on-campus events and more. An outpouring of support and donations filled the original C Building location to the point where a new, larger room became a necessity. Room C-134 will continue to be used as a sorting room for incoming clothing donations.

The Campus Closet accepts donations at all three Atlantic Cape campuses for gently-used men’s and women’s casual business attire. Donations may be dropped off at the public safety (security) building on the Mays Landing campus, room W217 at the Worthington Atlantic City campus and at the information desk at the Cape May County campus. Sizes available for male and female students range from XS to 3XL.

Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. For more information on how and where to donate, contact The Campus Closet at [email protected].

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.