Business Administration student sees a need for winter clothing and takes action

Travis Schmidt and Brady Talley

Travis Schmidt, junior majoring in entrepreneurship, and Beta Alpha Psi organized a coat exchange with the help of Mike Bootsma, Deans teaching fellow, and Brady Talley, director of multicultural student success.

I think credit for the coat swap idea should go to Mike Bootsma, my 215 Accounting professor. He shared a story with our class that made me realize that some students may not have access to winter coats. After class I asked him what I could do with this and together we came up with the idea of ​​the jacket exchange, says Schmidt.

Bootsma suggested to Schmidt the collaboration with Beta Alpha Psi. Schmidt went to suggest the idea at their meeting and they were more than willing to help.

Beta Alpha Psi, is a club for accounting, financial and management information systems. They pride themselves on connecting students with educators and business professionals through weekly business meetings, social and service events, etc.

The coat swap consisted of collecting new and used coats, hats, or gloves to distribute among the Iowa State University community. Donors simply had to hand over the coat in a classroom in Gerdin.

We have students here who don’t have a good winter coat. After the call for jackets went out, the Ivy College of Business responded in a big way. We had a plethora of coat sizes and styles. Several students accepted our offer of free coats, hats and gloves, says Bootsma.

The following week, there was an anonymous exchange of coats, hats, and gloves that Talley oversaw. Anyone could come and get what they needed for the winter without question. All unclaimed coats were donated to a local shelter. There was not a coat that went unused.

It was very satisfying to see how students interacted and cared about each other, Talley said.

Schmidt, Beta Alpha Psi, Bootsma and Talley are looking forward to organizing another jacket exchange in the spring.

The most rewarding thing about the jacket exchange was knowing I was helping others. It made me feel good to know that if we gave away just one coat, we were making a difference and helping someone, Schmidt said.