Cultural Spotlight
Pop Culture and Practical Lessons
On a recent afternoon, more than 200 students and faculty members gathered in an auditorium at Kendall Campus. All of the lights were out, except for one spotlight. Madonna’s Vogue blared from the DJ’s turntable. Business professor Barbara Rosenthal appeared on stage, dressed impeccably in a gray suit and black flats. “Welcome to the 2008 Dress for Success Collection,” she said. What followed was a fashion show not unlike what one would see on The CW’s America’s Next Top Model. Only instead of the avant-garde, the models wore pressed khakis, classic suits and Argyle sweaters. The point, Rosenthal said later, was to teach the importance of presentation in business. With sponsors like Gap and Damiani on board, they also made a contribution to the nonprofit Suited for Success, an organization which supports at-risk women by ensuring they have the skills – and wardrobe – necessary to land gainful employment.
— Gariot P. Louima