More than 175 undergraduate students at Augusta University attended the first Fit for the Future event on February 25, held at the Dr. Roscoe Williams Ballroom in the Jaguar Student Activities Center. The event provided students with free professional clothing, including shirts, blouses, pants, shoes, socks, belts and jackets.
The initiative was organized by Sharn Vericella and other faculty members from the James M. Hull College of Business, with support from local business owners and community members who donated clothes and materials. Javonté Coleman, a former Augusta resident now based in Washington, D.C., played a key role in organizing donations after being inspired by similar efforts during her time studying abroad in Berlin.
“I was so inspired, so when I returned to the States, I wanted to do something similar,” said Coleman. “I worked in corporate for a couple of years and I thought it would be best to partner with a college and give back to students entering into their careers. Most students do not have the funds or resources needed to curate a quality wardrobe at the start of their careers, so that’s why I reached out to AU, and I’m glad I did.”
Vericella explained that dressing professionally is important for making strong first impressions. He noted his own upbringing emphasized education and giving back: “First impression means everything,” he said. “I chose to work at United Way of the CSRA; it was always about giving back. That’s just how I was raised, it’s in the DNA.”
Coleman helped set up donation drop-off points at two local businesses: Veronica’s Hair Salon—owned by her parents—and Salon Sano. She credited Hope from Salon Sano for actively helping collect donations.
Students were able to select outfits they could wear for upcoming career events such as the Jaguar Job Fair scheduled for March 20 at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
“The students will feel professional, which is now going to increase their self-confidence and their self-esteem,” Vericella said. “My father taught me a long time ago that students should be the lifeblood of everything we do while we’re working here. So, I’m constantly thinking of ways we can give back to our students here at Augusta University.”
Hull Ambassadors Harsi Vyas (third-year) and Jennifer Beiza-Flores (second-year) described Fit for the Future as an important opportunity that removes barriers for students seeking attire for interviews or workplace needs.
“Many of my friends and classmates are constantly seeking professional clothing for interviews and their workplace; however, the price associated with it often causes them to be dissuaded from purchasing it,” Vyas said. “With this opportunity, I know students will appreciate the opportunity to get high-quality professional clothing with ease and no barriers.”
Beiza-Flores added: “I immediately recognized it as a meaningful opportunity to support students by providing access to free professional attire, which can make a significant difference when preparing for interviews and career events.”
Vericella hopes that Fit for the Future will become an annual event—or occur even more frequently—with plans underway to find dedicated space on campus.
Vyas emphasized community impact: “By working together across the CSRA to support early career students, you are investing in both yourself and your community to prosper… My role as both a student and leader is to grow professionally with my community leaders and promote positive events such as these so my peers in a similar situation succeed as well.”
Coleman reflected on her involvement: “So the students being able to go on interviews, go to work and even networking events in quality clothing is going to give them a sense of belonging. I am grateful to be a part of it,” she said.
She concluded: “Above all, believe that you have what it takes to succeed inside of you. Of course looking well kept on the outside matters but confidence comes from within… Knowing your character and the impact you want to make builds confidence. Know who you are first and you will thrive.”
