Poole College students launch ‘Recycle-Reuse Graduation Gowns’ effort
What happens to a graduation gown after the commencement ceremony and photos are done? Chances are, it hangs in the back of a closet forevermore, or finds its way to a landfill.
Students in the NC State Poole College of Management chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity, are offering an alternative.
They will collect donated gowns following the college’s commencement ceremony on December 18, and have them cleaned and ready for redistribution to the college’s May 2014 graduates.
The idea for the project came from Dr. Shannon Davis, associate dean for undergraduate programs, whose office coordinates the college’s commencement ceremonies each year.
Concerned about increasing costs to students for educational expenses, Davis said, “Coming up with another $50 to $100 for academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, hoods, honors sashes…) is a challenge for many of our students, and certainly a lot to pay for just one day in the spotlight. We resell textbooks – why not graduation gowns?”
The concept aligns perfectly with the college’s Sustainability Initiative, established in August 2013 to advance sustainability as a set of decision challenges balancing financial, social and environmental concerns.
Looking for ways to help students engage more directly in sustainability efforts, Davis proposed the idea of a recycle-reuse gowns effort to two of the Alpha Kappa Psi officers – Kristy Brader, president, and Christopher Pio, vice-president of alumni relations. Following a majority vote of their members, the business fraternity will pilot the concept at the December 2013 commencement ceremony.
Drop-off Options
AKPsi members will collect donated gowns immediately after the Poole College commencement ceremony at the PNC Arena on December 18.
Used gowns can also be dropped off in Poole College’s Office of Undergraduate Programs, 2150 Nelson Hall, throughout the year.
AKPsi members will research cleaning and sanitation options, using sustainable methods if feasible, and have the gowns ready for resale and reuse for the May 2014 commencement. Any proceeds from the resale effort will be used to support student engagement activities in the college.
Embroidered with the university's seal, the signature red NC State graduation gowns, worn by undergraduate students, are woven with special thread made from recycled plastic bottles, resulting in high-quality fabric that is soft, durable and eco-friendly. The manufacture of each cap and gown diverted 23 plastic bottles from landfills.
“Reusing the gowns for another commencement ceremony will allow for the third re-use of these materials. It would be a shame for so many attractive, durable gowns to have only one life,” Davis said.
