Bernadette "Bern" DiMaggio Lynch (1964 - 2017)
Bern always immersed herself into understanding the needs of students, so when there was a gap in services for first generation college students, Bern created and launched the I'm First program with her team.
Her legacy continues on through the Career Clothing Open House (memorialized as Bern's Closet), which she launched in 2013. Bern's Closet was originally hosted as a pop-up twice a year in Fireside Lounge by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion for the Fall and Spring Career Fair.
Bern's Closet is open all year at FoodShare for everyone and all are welcome to donate. We accept new or gently used clothing items.
Purpose
Bern's Closet offers RIT students much-needed clothing items, generously donated by RIT staff, faculty, and Greater Rochester community members, with the goal for students to leave with a professional looking outfit or seasonal clothing—at no cost—to wear for the Career Fair and beyond.
Visiting Bern's Closet
RIT community members can visit Bern's Closet during open hours of operation at our FoodShare West (Riverknoll 113) location. We are now taking walk-ins only and no appointment necessary to come shop. If you are interested in donating, please fill out this form so we know what to expect and when to expect your donation.
