Faculty, staff members host repair clinic for students

Zippers were fixed, eyeglasses were repaired and pants were patched thanks to faculty and staff members who hosted a repair clinic for students. 

The group lent a helping hand to students who needed clothing and other items repaired during the free event October 25 at Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center. Faculty and staff members also provided on-the-spot academic and career advising sessions. 

"We had three sewing machines going full tilt for about two-and-a-half hours," said Monica Johnstone, director of communications and advancement for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "We took on more than 60 projects and the students were so thankful."

Johnstone organized the clinic with Colleen Lindsay-Bailey, associate director of Housing. Several staff members volunteered, including Amy Russell, associate professor of biology; Jodee Hunt, professor of biology; Betty Schaner, assistant dean for advising and student services; and Heather VanWormer, associate professor of anthropology. 

Johnstone has organized repair clinics in the past for faculty members who needed their regalia repaired. She and Lindsay-Bailey thought it would be helpful to offer a similar clinic for students. 

"We heard students say things such as, 'I wish I had known about this before,' and, 'Thank you so much. This is my favorite shirt,'" she said. "We found a need and helped almost everyone who came." 

Johnstone said the event was attended mostly by undergraduate students, as well as some graduate and international students. 

She will again partner with the Housing Department this winter to host another clinic.