Students at Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University have launched a "recycle-reuse" graduation gowns effort, school officials announced.
Students at the NC State Poole College of Management chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi will collect donated gowns following college's commencement ceremony on Dec. 18, and have them cleaned and ready for redistribution to the college's May 2014 graduates.
The idea for the project came from Dr. Shannon Davis, associate dean for undergraduate programs, whose office coordinates the college's commencement ceremonies each year. She was concerned about increasing costs to students for educational expenses.
"Coming up with another $50 to $100 for academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, hoods, honors sashes...) is a challenge for many of our students, and certainly a lot to pay for just one day in the spotlight," Davis said in a statement. "We resell textbooks -- why not graduation gowns?"
According to school officials, the concept aligns perfectly with the college's Sustainability Initiative, established in August 2013 to advance sustainability as a set of decision challenges balancing financial, social and environmental concerns.
Looking for ways to help students engage more directly in sustainability efforts, Davis proposed the idea of a recycle-reuse gowns effort to two of the Alpha Kappa Psi officers -- Kristy Brader, president, and Christopher Pio, vice-president of alumni relations. Following a majority vote of their members, the business fraternity will pilot the concept at the December 2013 commencement ceremony.
Members of Alpha Kappa Psi will collect donated gowns immediately after the Poole College commencement ceremony at the PNC Arena on Dec. 18. Used gowns can also be dropped off in Poole College's Office of Undergraduate Programs, 2150 Nelson Hall, throughout the year.
Members of Alpha Kappa Psi will research cleaning and sanitation options, using sustainable methods if feasible, and have the gowns ready for resale and reuse for the May 2014 commencement. Any proceeds from the resale effort will be used to support student engagement activities in the college.
