NATCHITOCHES – Since 2021, NSU’s Gowns for Grads program has provided caps and gowns to students unable to purchase graduation regalia to wear on graduation day. Dr. Jennifer Shaw, research associate for the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program and instructor in the Department of Social Work, is director of the Regalia Closet and oversees the distribution and collection of caps, gowns, tassels and cords, which are worn during the ceremony and returned after afterwards.
Now the program would like to purchase tassels that graduates would be able to keep as a memento.
Darien McMillian, a senior social work major from Many, is spearheading a fund raiser for that purpose. During a Community and Organizations class, he sought a project to address a need in the community and heard about Gowns for Grads.
“I got involved with Gowns for Grads through Dr. Shaw. She one of my professors. During a class she mentioned she was looking for fundraising ideas to be able to provide students their own tassels through the program. I brought this up as a member of Social Work Club, and we have been working on some things as a club,” McMillian said. “The goal is to give those who do not have the means to afford graduation regalia something of their own for their big day.”
Donors can contribute to Gowns for Grads through the NSU Foundation by visiting https://northwesternstatealumni.com/gowns-for-grads/. Monetary donations are also used to purchase fabric disinfectant, hangers, clothing covers and other items.
Individuals who would like to donate their one-time-use cap and gown can contact Shaw at shawj@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4650 to make arrangements to donate the gown. Regalia can also be dropped off at the NSU police station on the main campus.