[164] Company ‘pays it forward’ with clothing donations to MTSU’s Raiders’ Closet

MURFREESBORO — One of the nation’s most prominent pharmaceutical corporations is making an investment in the future with a donation to MTSU’s Raiders’ Closet.

AstraZeneca contributed professional outfits to the racks of free gently used items available at the closet, which is located in Room 130A of the Business and Aerospace Building. It houses suits, ties, dresses, blouses, skirts and accessories suitable for job interviews. Students may keep the items they choose.

Raiders’ Closet is the brainchild of Dr. Virginia Hemby-Grubb, a professor in the Department of Business Communication and Entrepreneurship. She discovered that many students are misinformed about the type of clothing they need to make a good impression on a prospective employer, and others simply can’t afford nice clothes.

Hemby-Grubb delivered a presentation Sept. 26 about Raiders’ Closet to the company’s Leadership and Selling Team at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Murfreesboro.

“These individuals truly care about the mission of Raiders’ Closet and believe in the ‘pay it forward’ concept we use as part of the closet’s philosophy,” said Hemby-Grubb.

The presentation was made possible with the help of Mecole Vaughn Springer, an AstraZeneca executive sales specialist and MTSU alumna.

“AstraZeneca’s Nashville District was compelled to donate to Raiders’ Closet because we understand that a need exists, and Raiders’ Closet is making a direct impact on the future success of young professionals,” Springer said.

Springer, a Murfreesboro native, earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1994 and her master’s degree in educational leadership in 1996. She currently is pursuing a certification in health care management at MTSU.

Raiders’ Closet “is an extraordinary example of the opportunities available to students at MTSU,” Springer said. “It is important for students to be prepared when entering the workforce. Proper professional attire can be just as important as the knowledge you possess when making an impression on a potential employer.”

Donations may be made at Raiders’ Closet each Friday or in the Business Communication and Entrepreneurship office in Room 429N of the Business and Aerospace Building between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, contact Hemby-Grubb at 615-898-2369 or virginia.hemby-grubb@mtsu.edu, or Jaye Kiblinger at 615-898-2902 or jaye.kiblinger@mtsu.edu.