Advertising and public relations senior Maureen Enright gets a haircut from Beth Walker Tuesday afternoon at the Douglas J eXchange, 333 Albert Ave. Enright is one of the winners of the Real World Makeover sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union.
In addition to bringing a diploma and four years of college experience to their new careers, two MSU seniors also will have about $4,000 of prizes in tow.
Maureen Enright, an advertising and public relations senior, and Brian Kenny, an accounting and information systems graduate student, won makeovers from MSU Federal Credit Union to help them enter the professional world in style.
“It’s a great way for students to get a professional look, and they’ve always been thankful,” said Joyce Banish, vice president of marketing for MSUFCU.
This is the fourth makeover MSUFCU has organized.
“It sounded like such a cool opportunity and something that would really be fun,” Enright said.
Kenny had heard the ads on the radio for weeks, but never considered applying until his mother and aunt insisted he fill out an application.
Contest winners are chosen based on community involvement, but a students’ grade-point average also is considered, Banish said. The winner does not have to be a member of the credit union.
“We look for a well-rounded person, someone who is in clubs related to their major and extracurricular activities related to their community,” Banish said.
Enright said she was shocked when she first discovered she won.
“It’s kind of a kickstart from college into the real world,” she said.
As for many college graduates, the transition can be a financial challenge. Before the makeover, Kenny said his interview suit was his only hint of a professional wardrobe. Now he has two full suits with shirts, ties and shoes.
“I was going to have to spend a lot of money and buy a whole new wardrobe,” Kenny said. “I’m paying for my master’s program, and it’s a relief not to have to worry about forking out that extra money.”
Enright and Kenny won services from the Douglas J eXchange, professional work clothing from Talbots or S&K Menswear, a class ring, graduation invitations and diploma frame from Student Book Store and MSU jewelry from Wheat Jewelers.
MSUFCU hosted a reveal party for the winners’ friends and family Wednesday at Kellogg Center.
“It just goes to show how the local community really pulls for the students and wants to see them succeed,” Banish said.
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