MSSU's 'Dress to Impress' Event Empowers Students with Professional Wardrobes and Confidence

JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) continued its tradition of preparing students for the professional world with the annual Dress to Impress event, held on February 25, 2025, in the Billingsly Student Center's Connor Ballroom.

The one-day giveaway transformed the space into a pop-up boutique, offering free professional clothing to hundreds of students and alumni.

Since its inception, the event has served over 3,400 participants, distributing more than 18,000 articles of clothing — including suits, blazers, dresses, shirts, shoes, ties, and accessories. All items were gently used donations from the Joplin community and campus members.

Organized by MSSU's Career Services Department, led by Director Alex Gandy, the event goes beyond free attire. 

“A lot of Missouri Southern students aren’t first-generation college students,” Gandy said on the Morning Newswatch. “Like, they don't have that professional wardrobe. And you all, you know, like when you go to a job interview, you want to dress to impress. You want to look the part. Well, if you go to a retail store, you're going to drop $200, $300 on that outfit. So, how can we equip them? How can we help them feel confident about themselves when they walk into that job interview or their first internship or a job? Let's give them some professional clothes.”

Over 100 volunteers — including university staff, faculty, and local leaders like Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez — act as personal shoppers, helping students select outfits, get measured, and learn about workplace dress codes.

The event provides hands-on assistance in coordinating outfits and understanding professional attire expectations.

Gandy emphasized the event's impact in helping students understand what employers expect and enter opportunities feeling prepared and professional.

“We need everybody's donations by Monday the 23rd,” Gandy said. “Everybody's in 2026 mode, you know, trying to get fit maybe. And so, maybe everybody has a couple garments in their closet that they haven't worn in a while. And when you're looking at that garment, what about a Missouri Southern student or graduate who could wear that to their first job or first internship.”

The success relies heavily on community support, with calls for donations in the weeks leading up to the event yielding thousands of items. Volunteers and organizers praised the campus and local embrace of the initiative, which aligns with MSSU's mission to support student success beyond the classroom.

As students gear up for an increasingly competitive job market, events like Dress to Impress provide not just clothing, but a tangible step toward career readiness — proving that looking the part can be the first stride toward success.

For more information on future events or donations, visit the MSSU Career Services website.