Broncos Suit Up at J. C. Penney Event
posted by Shawnsuki Brooks | October 9, 2019 | In NewsOver the past years here at Fayetteville State University, I have wondered exactly how long J. C. Penney has offered the “Suit Up Event” here in Fayetteville? Was it a historically Black colleges and university thing? A University of North Carolina-school thing? Or simply a FSU-only kind of event?
Assistant Director of Student Affairs Daisy Osborn said: “This was Fayetteville State’s second year doing the event.” She thinks it is “a great thing for the students.”
I also learned that it was indeed not a FSU-only event by speaking to a senior from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Makayla Surles, who attended a J. C. Penney Suit-Up event during August 2019 in Greensboro, N.C.
Upon arrival, I learned also that it was for more than HBCUs because this Suit-Up event was paired with UNC-Pembroke. A liaison from UNC-P, who was also a Fayetteville State alumni, stated that this was UNC-P’s first year teaming up with FSU for the event. They will also host another Suit-Up event in February. FSU students are more than welcome to attend.
As I walked around, I couldn’t help but notice the different booths, candy tables, discounted professional headshots offered from J. C. Penney Portrait Studios, and also the salon table with employee Vicky, who was offering 50% off a haircut and style. I saw students with carts full of business attire, racks full of discounted merchandise on sale, and faculty from both FSU and UNC-P assisting students with either directions or shopping needs.
Before heading out with my own business suit and blouses, I stopped and got more information from J. C. Penney manager Rebecca Riley. I was still wanting to know exactly who’s responsible for hosting such a great event that helps the students to get professional items at a discounted price. Riley said this was her third Suit-Up event, which is a nationwide event as well. She noted that the national corporate headquarters for J. C. Penney schedules the events, and they go from there to properly prepare, talking with representatives from the various participating schools in the area.
While at the event, I also saw Mr. FSU himself, William Cumbo, who said: “The Suit-Up event is always convenient and helps us suit-up for the upcoming career fair. Business professional outfits are available for students who want to be professionally dressed. Although it wasn’t 40 percent like last year, we are still grateful and thankful for the partnership Career Services and J. C. Penney. It’s a privilege for us to have this kind of event where students can get items for a better price.”
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