“We saw the potential, the need, the difference it could make.”
Ruff’s Closet, affectionately named for YC’s Roughrider mascot, Ruff, officially opened earlier this month following a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the doorway of the space adjacent to the Student Engagement and Leadership offices in Building 3 on the Prescott Campus.
Doing the honors for the ribbon cutting were YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine and former and current Student Government Association leaders. Rhine was the catalyst for the business-clothing shop, “planting the seed” in mentoring meetings with SGA leaders who noted the difficulty some students face affording professional attire for job interviews and other occasions.
“Dr. Rhine’s idea was not just about clothes, it was about confidence, about breaking barriers and about empowering students to present their best selves in a professional setting,” said Jamie Oltersdorf, former SGA president, during the grand-opening event. “The Student Government Association took this idea to heart. We saw the potential, the need, the difference it could make. What started as a small collection of business attire has grown into Ruff’s Closet – a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”
Rhine thanked student leaders for taking the free clothing shop idea and running with it. “Everything that exists in this world was once an idea, a thought, and today, an idea is a reality. Thank you, SGA, for bringing it all together.”
While much of the initial clothing in Ruff’s Closet was donated by college faculty and staff, a team of student volunteers oversaw the project, securing college leadership support and donations of shelving, racks, decorations, signage and other items needed to make the apparel shop appealing and inviting. A number of area businesses, including JC Penney, generously donated supplies to the closet.
YC Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Janice Soutee gratefully acknowledged the support of college leaders, faculty and staff, the time and effort of facilities employees and the students who made Ruff’s Closet a reality. “Without your support, the students’ initiatives and visions would not come to life,” she told the crowd on hand for the ribbon cutting. Your steadfast dedication to our students is truly everywhere we turn, and our students recognize that. And keep cleaning out your closets because we need more stuff. Every day we have students in here already, shopping and taking and we want to keep it clean and fresh,” Soutee said. QCBN
Ruff’s Closet is open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays for student shoppers and to take donations of new, gently used and clean business clothing and shoes from everyone. Find it in Room 125A in Building 3 on the Prescott Campus. Direct questions to sga@yc.edu.
Courtesy Photo: YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine (Right) and Student Government Association Past President Jamie Oltersdorf mark the opening of Ruff’s Closet with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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