There is a saying, “Dress for success.” However, for some students at The University of Alabama seeking job interviews, that saying is easier said than done. The newly-named Denise and Chandler Crimson Career Closet provides these students with the resources they need to put their best foot forward — literally.
Denise Root first toured the Crimson Career Closet in 2019 when she and her husband, Chandler, came to Bama Bound with their younger son, Brendan, now a senior at UA.
“When we came, I felt like I was actually the new freshman,” Denise said. “I was looking into all of the clubs and organizations and literally went through every nook and cranny of campus. That’s when I found the Crimson Career Closet, and I thought it was such an interesting concept.”
The closet, which is located in the Student Center, allows students to borrow clothing for job interviews, career fairs and presentations at no cost. After Denise and Chandler returned home from Brendan’s orientation, Denise kept thinking of how she could improve this resource.
“When we decided to make a gift to the University, we didn’t want to just give once and then be done,” Denise said. “A lot of kids get scholarships to come to the University, then they get free things over the years — a T-shirt or a sweatshirt — but then they’re on their own. They’re given all these tools, but you still need a finished product. The Career Closet is like the frosting on a cake — you need to be able to present yourself the right way.”
Denise said her background in event planning fuels her “affinity to giving everything a second life,” from twist ties on electronics to the clothes that end up in the Career Closet.
“I love that we can add to the base that UA gives. The Career Closet allows all students to thrive and succeed, and I feel like this allows me to keep giving. Plus, I can keep cleaning out my friends’ closets!” she laughed.
Giving is also a family tradition that Denise and Chandler hope to instill in both of their sons.
“Chandler and I came from very modest means,” Denise said. “His father was a truck driver and mine joined the Army to go to college and stayed for 24 years. We’ve been without and we’ve worked hard to achieve all that we have in our 33 years of marriage. We feel that giving has been the foundation. Both of our boys are very compassionate and they give unconditionally. I think continuing to set the example will exemplify what we’ve always done.”
“The Career Center is so grateful for the Root family,” said Dr. Schernavia Hall, interim executive director of the Career Center. “Due to their generosity, we will now be able to serve even more UA students by offering more clothing inventory to support the professional endeavors of our students and alleviate the stressors associated with finding appropriate attire for interviews, career fairs and other networking events.”
Following the renaming of the space in April 2022 in honor of their recent gifts, Denise and Chandler had the opportunity to meet with two UA students who have directly benefitted from the Crimson Career Closet.
“We actually met two students, Brian and Presley,” Denise said. “It was really interesting to talk to them, to hear their stories and to observe the impact the Career Closet has made on them so far. They were able to join us to see the theatre department’s production of ‘Legally Blonde,’ as well. Having that connection makes the world smaller for them, too.”
“It has been our honor to support UA and the students while appreciating all our different means and backgrounds,” she said. “We know that this is a small part of all the assistance that comes to UA. We give to make a difference and we ask others to follow our lead. If we can make everyone better, then why not give?”
Learn more about the closet and how to give.
