Suits and dresses appropriate for job interviews were modeled at a recent event announcing the new suit bank at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Courtesy Photo

Suits and dresses appropriate for job interviews were modeled at a recent event announcing the new suit bank at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Courtesy Photo

A new bank is opening on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus. While it’s all about helping make money, the assets students will find at this bank don’t actually cost a penny. The university is opening its first ever suit bank for Islander students in need of the proper attire for job interviews.
Started with a $5,000 gift from the Chancellor’s Century Council, the suit bank will open in spring 2015 at a location near Career Services on the third floor of the University Center. The suit bank is an initiative of Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp and his Chancellor’s Century Council (CCC), a group of donors who support special projects throughout the Texas A&M System. The CCC donated $70,000 to create or support suit banks at each of the System’s 11 universities. 
Local representation for CCC includes Dan Leyendecker; Thetis and Judge S. Loyd Neal, Jr.; Jenny and Philip Skrobarczyk; Dee and Ted M. Stephens; and Yma and Chuck Urban.      
“First impressions are important and that’s why the Chancellor’s Secretary Council chose to fund this outstanding initiative,” said Neal. “This funding isn’t just an investment in suits. It’s an investment in students.”
Career Services will oversee the development of the A&M-Corpus Christi suit bank, with feedback from other departments and university groups.
“We were excited and happy when we learned about this generous gift,” said said Terri Howe, Director of Career Services. “It will help us fill a need for many students. This benefits every student, from every major, from every background, who will put their degree to use and look for a job.”
The majority of the $5,000 will be spent purchasing suits; although, suit donations will be accepted as well. Money will also be set aside for dry cleaning.
“Keeping an inventory of suits that are modern and fit a wide range of students will be an on-going process,” Howe said. “While we won’t be tailoring suits, we plan to assist students in finding the best fit.”