NE North Dakota News

Alumni contributions have significantly enhanced the Freeman Professional Closet at the University of North Dakota's Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. This resource is designed to provide students with professional attire, aiding them in making strong impressions during interviews and career fairs.

Kathy Lund, director of the Pancratz Career Development Center, conceived the idea for the closet in 2016. "We’d get students prepared for interviews and career fairs, but sometimes they were still hesitant if they didn’t have clothing they felt confident wearing when meeting with employers," she said.

With a $5,000 grant, Lund initiated the first version of the closet in Gamble Hall by converting an old sink area into a space with a clothing rack and professional attire. The initiative has since expanded significantly thanks to donations from alumni Angie and Russ Freeman.

"When Kathy told us about the Closet, it felt like an innovative, creative way to make a direct impact," Angie Freeman stated. Her husband Russ added that it provided practical help for students seeking employment opportunities.

UND junior Kyra Younce frequently uses items from the closet such as her favorite black-and-white striped blazer for important occasions like her interview with Ernst & Young. "I just love it," she remarked.

Another student, Jaryn Sundby, also benefits from this resource. "Instead of worrying about spending hundreds of dollars shopping, I can focus on the interview itself," he said. Sundby regularly uses suits and ties from the closet for professional events.

Students can select two items and an accessory per semester from a range that includes suits, dress shirts, slacks, blouses, skirts, pants, bags, shoes and ties. These items are theirs to keep. Additional items can be picked up during blowout events held each semester; one such event recently drew 240 students.

Lund emphasizes that these efforts are part of broader support services offered by the Pancratz Career Development Center: "We are relationship-based," she explained.

The Freemans believe their contributions extend beyond individual impacts: “Giving to the University impacts community families...and children who come after them,” Angie Freeman noted.

Reflecting on success stories stemming from this initiative brings Lund joy: “Before a career fair...a student was looking at himself in mirror saying ‘I just don’t feel quite ready.’ We put suit jacket on him...his whole posture changed." Such moments affirm both purpose behind project itself along with potential ripple effects across UND community at large.