Central State University unveils Marauder Boutique — A Treasure Chest for Success

Partnership with IKEA West Chester, donors empowering student success 

Above: Central State University junior Cameron Baldwin (CHASE), who serves as the 2024-25 Mister CHASE and has been instrumental in stocking the Marauder Boutique, celebrates the grand opening of the revamped resource for students. He is pictured with (from left) CSU Director of Career Services Lisa Dunn, IKEA representatives Lauren Goldberg and Kevin DiNarda, and CSU Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs Kimberly Jones.

Central State University celebrated the grand opening of the Marauder Boutique — A Treasure Chest for Success on Nov. 15, marking another step in the University's commitment to student professional development.  

This innovative resource, in partnership with IKEA West Chester and generous donors, offers students free access to professional attire, empowering them to dress for success in class presentations, auditions, interviews, and beyond.   

Lisa Dunn, director of the Office of Career Services at CSU, welcomed attendees by affirming the boutique’s purpose: “Marauders have to have a treasure chest!”  

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Kimberly Jones, interim vice president of Institutional Advancement and director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project.  

The boutique, developed over the past year, is a warm, welcoming space stocked with professional attire, including suits, ties, shoes, hats, accessories, and jewelry. Students can select from items like suits, dresses, and a stunning collection of high-end jewelry personally contributed by Kevin DiNarda, IKEA’s interior design manager, from his Aunt Shari’s collection. The boutique features a changing room divider where students can try on clothes.  

Lauren Goldberg, local marketing specialist for IKEA West Chester, shared her excitement about the boutique’s launch:   

“Central State University is doing incredible work to prepare students for their futures, and we’re thrilled to play a part in that journey."

"At IKEA West Chester, we’re all about making everyday life better, and this closet is a tangible way to support students as they step confidently into new opportunities. We hope to empower students as they pursue their goals and make a positive impact in the world. It’s an honor to collaborate on a project that reflects our shared dedication to uplifting the community.” 

How it works 

The Treasure Chest is designed to be simple and accessible for students:   

• Students share their resumes and explain their need for professional clothing through the Office of Career Services.  
• Students use Handshake to schedule an appointment for easy tracking and access. 
• Career Services staff will hire work study students to assist with professional sizing and proper fit, offering a measurement chart and tape measures.   

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To ensure the boutique remains well-stocked, Central State alumni and community members, inspired by the boutique's mission, have been reaching out to donate new or gently used professional attire.   

Junior students Cameron Baldwin, Mister CHASE (College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education), double majoring in Political Science and Communications, and Jonathan Foster, majoring in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Science minor, were also in attendance to witness the launch of a resource they’ve helped champion. 

The Marauder Boutique — A Treasure Chest for Success is more than just a wardrobe — it’s a vital part of CSU’s support system, preparing students to meet opportunities with confidence, professionalism, and style. As Jones said during the ceremony: 

“This is what Central State is all about — empowering our students to shine and succeed in every aspect of their lives.”   

For more information about the boutique or to donate, contact Dunn at ldunn@centralstate.edu or 937-376-6218.