ISU and JCPenney help Bengals suit-up

An annual Idaho State University event allows students, staff and alumni a chance to improve their wardrobe and employment opportunities by suiting up at JCPenney.

“It’s very important that they look the part for the job that they’re seeking in the future,” JCPenney manager Julie Skinner said. “As they go to interview, it builds confidence for them. When they look good, they’re confident.”

On Thursday evening, members of the ISU community gathered at the JCPenney in the Pine Ridge Mall to take advantage of an additional 30 percent off the sale price of “career clothing.”

“Men’s suits, dress shirts, ties, ladies dress clothes, handbags, belts, shoes,” Skinner explained, “it’s quite a list of stuff.”

And it’s exactly the kind of stuff people will need in order to dress the part for the job they want.

“Oh, it’s critical,” Jared Anderson of ISU’s career center explained. “The better you look, the better you present yourself, the better you’re able to stand out among the competition.”

Anderson says this event really allows students to stand out and do so for a reasonable price.

“This is a really good opportunity for them to go out and get what they need at a very discounted price.”

If the price slashing wasn’t a big enough draw, there were also hot dogs provided by the alumni and a raffle for items like backpacks, caps, and even a coffee maker.

Now, in its third year, Skinner says the event has continued to grow each year. Benefiting the store and the students, it’s become something they look forward to.

“It’s just fun,” she said, “I can’t explain it, it’s just fun. My staff is really excited, all of ISU is excited and we have a great partnership and it’s just a fun event.”

Although the event ended at 8 o’clock, it’s not your only opportunity to catch the deal. The store and the school team up each fall and spring, so you’ll get another chance next semester.

ISU is not the only school JCPenney runs its suit-up events with. Hundreds of colleges and universities around the country offer the same opportunity.