Let’s discuss the Gator Success Closet, located in the Office of Sustainability that is tucked away in the basement of the Tippie Alumni Center. The closet — a collection of professional clothing for students to use free of charge — is by far one of my favorite resources offered by the Office of Sustainability. Most of the clothes are donated by faculty and students in the Allegheny community. The closet supports sustainability by allowing students to take clothing, rather than purchasing new clothes.
In a cozy wood-accented office, Sustainability Manager Madeline Yeatts and Director of Sustainability Kelly Boulton, ’02, can be found working on almost everything sustainability for Allegheny College. Yeatts was a gem when I visited the office on Wednesday, March 11. She was incredibly informative, helpful and kind. I went into the office with a request and ideas, and Yeatts helped me execute it. She knew where everything was and had so many great suggestions.
When I asked Yeatts about her thoughts on expanding the closet to other purposes like seasons, sports and other activities, she had a response that made me super excited.
“I think that is definitely in line with what we’re hoping to achieve,” Yeatts said. “The main objective of it is to provide resources to students who need them and also keep perfectly good clothing out of the landfill — so if people have winter wear to donate or even formal wear, we’re thinking about how we can expand” to including those items as well.
I know space is an issue, but if there is more space eventually, the expansion of the closet could be super useful to students all over campus. Adding different clothing options for varying occasions could be helpful for those who do not want to
commit to certain sports and spend lots of money on gear. It could also help international students who don’t have the resources to buy winter gear for the harsh winters here at Allegheny College.
When I explored the Gator Success Closet, I asked some peers to join me and be my models. The clothing was abundant. There were options for everyone: skirts, dress pants, jeans, khaki pants and dresses for apparel. For accessories, there were scarves, belts, heels, loafers, dress shoes, ties and more. All the items had varying sizes and styles. Anyone could find at least three things and one thing they loved and wouldn’t mind wearing for a professional setting in the resource closet (especially for free! How can you beat that deal?).
Brayden Devinney, ’26, was one of my wonderful models in the resource room. I first styled Devinney in a business casual outfit. Devinney wore a burgundy quarter-zip, tan khaki pants and dress shoes that fit him just right! “I thought it was really cool to see,” Devinney said about the resource closet. “I wish I knew about it sooner — I definitely would have utilized some of the resources in there, even if it wasn’t like a full outfit. I’m glad it’s getting the publicity it deserves.”
I agree; when this opportunity to play “Dress to Impress” in person with a special resource of the college came to me, I couldn’t wait! This resource used to be referral only, and now it’s open to anyone who needs it. With so many options of clothing, it would be a shame for it to be neglected.
Devinney’s second outfit was staged for an interview environment. He wore a blue Ralph Lauren button-up shirt, a deep red tie and navy blue dress pants. When I asked Devinney what he thought of the outfits we put together, he said, “I
thought they were stunning — felt like a star.” Having Ralph Lauren as a choice is super bougie. It is so wonderful to know that the staff of Allegheny College considers their students so much. I truly believe a large majority of the staff on this campus genuinely want their students and their community to prosper.
My other beautiful model, Katelyn Ebbert, ’29, also modeled two outfits for us: a business casual and a regular business outfit. For her first outfit, Katelyn wore an interview-ready dress. The black-and-white patterned dress paired flawlessly with the wrap-up heels we found. The dress fit perfectly and could go with many styles of individuals. Her second outfit was a more business casual style, a white flowy shirt, olive green pants (that Yeatts and I loved) and white loafers. That outfit with the olive green pants was my favorite. The pants are so cool and such a neat style.
Ebbert and I talked about the Gator Success Closet as well.
“I think it’s a super cool place that isn’t advertised enough, and I’m happy that it’s getting some publicity,” Ebbert said. “It was really fun to look around and see all the options we have. It’s amazing.”
Ebbert’s comments warmed my heart.
I know it can be frightening to be vulnerable about a lack of resources. But Yeatts reassured my models and me that everyone was welcome.
“We’re so happy to have students come visit,” Yeatts said. “We don’t want anyone to feel any pressure about coming to visit — it’s a very chill environment. There is no anxiety or stigma about coming to get clothing; it’s exciting.”
All body types and sizes are appreciated, and there is always something in the Gator Success Closet that could be helpful. Not many people know about this resource, and more need to know about how accessible it is.
When I told Darrell Battle, ’28, about the Gator Success Closet for the first time, he was pleasantly surprised.
“I feel like it’s very good to have something like that,” Battle said. “Not everyone buys dress clothes. That’s not something everyone has.”
I asked if he would suggest it to other peers.
“Yes, I definitely will,” Battle said. “I know a few people who don’t have any dress clothes on them, so I will definitely recommend that to people.”
In conclusion, use this resource! Visit even if you have nothing to prepare for — browse and take a look. Yeatts would love to help you and supply you with whatever fits your scenario best. It’s open most days until around 4 p.m. Make sure to email [email protected] to schedule an appointment and fill out the form at Gator Success Closet Interest Form, which can be found on the environmental science and sustainability department Instagram @allegheny_ess. With graduation and interviews for internships right around the corner, it’s important to dress your best for your future opportunities.
