UWF Collaborates with JCPenney for Argos Suit Up Event

February 23, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko | casshcommunications@uwf.edu

At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, JCPenney will close its doors for the night. Thirty minutes later, the store will reopen to let UWF students and family in for the Argos Suit Up event. The event will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The University of West Florida Student Government Association and Career Services are collaborating with JCPenney to host the Argos Suit Up event, a national initiative that allows students to purchase professional wear for a discount.

The event allows current students and recent alumni, who show their Nautilus card, to receive a 40% discount for professional dress, in addition to sale items. 

In October 2017, Dr. Martha Saunders, UWF President, gave $10,000 toward the cause. (Read more about this.) The funds provided gift cards for students who qualified. Students who qualified to receive the gift cards were required to provide their resume and participate in a short interview. Over 50 gift cards have been provided for the event.

Abigail Megginson, a communication and political science major, brought forward the idea to President Saunders. Megginson stated she initially got the idea her freshman year as part of her campaign for the SGA Senate position to bring a clothes closet to UWF. She later found out about the JCPenney partnership, researched the initiative, and decided it was a perfect fit for the university community. 

Megginson suggested it can be expensive for college students to purchase professional clothing. Yet, it is really important for students to have something they look and feel confident in. She stated, “When you look in the mirror and you’re dressed professionally and you’re confident with your skill set, it helps to present yourself to the employer to where they can already see you in the position.”

"I think it’s (Argos Suit Up is) getting rid of that barrier for them.” - Abigail Megginson

She went on to say, “It’s a very small thing we maybe wouldn’t think about, but it can really be a barrier to a lot of people. I think it’s (Argos Suit Up is) getting rid of that barrier for them.”

This event will enable students to be ready for their up-coming career fairs and internship opportunities. Lindsey Walk, director of Career Services stated, “Our goal in this program is to assist students so they can make a great first impression when they meet potential employers.” Read more at the UWF Newsroom.

The event will have a DJ and food provided. According to Megginson, “It’s going to be a big, fun event and the plan is to do it again next year.”

Students and recent alumni can participate Sunday, Feb. 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at JC Penney, 7171 N. Davis Highway. All participants will be required to show their Nautilus Card to receive the 40% discount.