Gowns for Grads

Graduation is an exciting event for NSU students. Many students would like to participate in celebrating this milestone, but are unable to for a variety of reasons. Dr. Jennifer Shaw, Louisiana Title IV-E Program, with support from the Department of Social Work, created the “Gowns for Grads” program to provide students with a free rental of graduation caps, gowns, and additional items (tassels, cords, stoles, etc.).

This program is donation-based and continues to grow and be successful through numerous donations from NSU students, alumni, and the community. We are very thankful to have this program through NSU, however, we do have limited resources for our graduate students. Because we have limited items, we operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

We appreciate all donations from NSU alum and monetary donations.  With your help, we can guarantee all of our students have the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments on graduation day!

The Gowns for Grads initiative is also geared toward keeping the NSU community environmentally friendly! One mission of Gowns for Grads is to increase sustainability on campus, promote environmental justice, and decrease the waste stream.

These “keepsake” gowns are typically only worn once and eventually discarded. Constructed with the same chemical compound used to make plastic water bottles, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the polyester gowns will not fully decompose once in those landfills. Research shows that it takes 450 years for plastic bottles to break down in landfills.

Collecting and reusing graduation gowns over the years helps make graduation events more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Complete the Gowns for Grads application to make your request.

Don’t have a gown to donate, but want to contribute? You can submit a monetary contribution to our program! Your contribution will supply whatever is most needed at the time of donation.