Photo courtesy of Ruff’s Closet
After months of dreaming, planning, collecting donations and creating a boutique-like shopping experience, the Yavapai College Student Government Association has opened a free professional clothing store for students.
Ruff’s Closet, named for YC’s Roughrider mascot, had its grand opening in April in Room 125A in Building 3 on the Prescott Campus, the space adjacent to Student Engagement and Leadership offices.
YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine and former and current Student Government Association leaders were there to cut the ribbon. 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, and 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 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,” she said.
While much of the initial clothing in Ruff’s Closet was donated by college faculty and staff, a team of student volunteers drove 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, donated supplies to the closet.
Janice Sautee, YC Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, 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.”
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. For questions or more information write to sga@yc.edu.
