MILWAUKEE — Marquette University’s Career Closet is returning this spring after merging with the Backpack Program, the university’s food pantry.

What You Need To Know

  • Former Marquette student Mayra Alaniz launched the Career Closet program back in 2022

  • The Career Closet takes in donations to provide business attire at no cost to students

  • When donating clothing items, it asks for new or slightly used professional attire

  • Donation bins will be available for drop-off in the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) starting the week of Jan. 13

The Career Closet took a hiatus last semester after Marquette shifted its Career Center into the Lemonis Center for Student Success.

Former Marquette student Mayra Alaniz launched the program back in 2022. It was funded through the Brewed Ideas Challenge, an event designed for young entrepreneurs to pitch their business proposals.

The Career Closet takes in donations of new or slightly used business attire and provides them at no cost to students. Students have access to items such as suits, blazers, blouses, button-up shirts, polos, pants, sweaters, skirts and dresses — all things that can typically be costly.

Shoes and jewelry are not currently accepted donations for the Career Closet. 

As the Career Closet gets ready to reopen, it will begin collecting donations again.

Donation bins will be available for drop-offs in the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) starting the week of Jan. 13. All donations go toward making a meaningful impact on students pursuing their professional careers. 

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