Seniors who can’t swing the cost of one of the most important purchases of their college careers are getting some help from the George Mason University staff and alumni community.
The all new Gowns for Grads lending program allows George Mason alumni to donate their graduation regalia to graduating seniors who don’t have the means to buy their own.
Bachelor degree ceremony regalia costs around $60, while regalia for the master’s ceremony can be $120, said Amanda Myers, an academic adviser for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“That’s three tanks of gas, [or] a pencil skirt and shirt for a job interview. But more than anything else it’s a pat on the back … I want to send [them] away from Mason feeling cared about,” she said.
Myers said she was inspired to start the program by a student she knew who was on the brink of eviction. The student had just scraped up enough money to buy text books, she said.
“I waited until the student left my office, and then I started crying. I was thinking, ‘It can’t just be her,’” Myers said.
Staffers from Mason’s University Life later told Myers some students had come to the Pop Up Food Pantry, asking for caps and gowns.
So far, about 40 caps and gowns have been received—31 in hand, with 10 more promised. More than 100 students have applied. But with the different convocation times, Myers said she thinks she will have enough to go around.
Social work major Crystal Horton will be wearing one of those gowns.
“As a college student, we’re already not in the best financial situation,” she said. “I’m financially independent, and this is one thing on my checklist that I don’t have to worry about.”
Myers said she will try to help as many spring graduates as possible. Alumni are encouraged to donate their gowns anytime. Information about how to donate and how to receive is available here.