By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
An Alabama State University alumnus wants to help ASU students “dress for success” through his donation of men's dress suits worth a combined value of several thousand dollars. The men’s wear can be used by University students who may need them for formal presentations, job interviews and other special occasions.
Montgomery native, Kim Salter (class of 1988), presented a total of 35 suits, valued at $3,500, to the Division of Student Affairs. Salter is a well-known Montgomery businessman and the owner of Evening Out Formal Wear, Inc. The suits will be given free of charge to deserving students in ASU's Dr. Percy J. Vaughn, Jr. College of Business Administration (COBA). Salter graduated from COBA with a major in Computer Information Systems.
"I was inspired to do this by one of my friends and a fellow ASU alumnus, Delbert Madison, who is a senior vice president at ServisFirst Bank in Montgomery and a member of the University's Board of Trustees," Salter said. "Delbert explained to me that we have some students at Alabama State who are in dire need of suits to wear at special occasions, and by donating my suits to my ASU, I can help lift-up our COBA students, so they look good during internships, ASU functions, employment interviews and all the other times when dressing professionally is important."
Trustee Madison explained that when he heard that Salter had a surplus of brand-new suits, he only had to make the suggestion of the donation, and his friend was quick to respond in support of O' Mother Dear.
"Kim Salter and I have been friends since our childhood, growing up in North Montgomery, and we attended ASU together where both of us played intramural basketball," Madison stated. "When Kim found out that his surplus suits would help our students look as professionally as they are educated here, he quickly and gladly donated them for the use of our young Hornet men."
The suits were first given to the University, via the Division of Student Affairs, where Dr. Malinda W. Swoope serves as the vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
"At Alabama State University, we greatly appreciate when our alumni step-up and give back through donations of all kinds and in the case of Mr. Salter, a rack of beautiful brand-new suits," Swoope said. "This alumni gift will provide our students with the proper attire to represent themselves and our University in the best way possible, and we thank Mr. Salter for believing in our school."
For more info on Salter's business, visit: eveningoutformal.com or call 334-288-9241.