Suited for success: RCB alum's $500K commitment launches Galvin Professional Closet

When Anthony J. “Tony” Galvin walked into Business Hall Nov. 13 for the launch of the Galvin Dress for Success Program and Professional Closet, he saw himself in the students gathered around him – smart, ambitious, ready to chase their dreams.

Many had everything they needed to succeed – except a great suit.

Galvin, a 1989 graduate of Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business (RCB) and a member of the Rowan University Foundation Board, has a long history of supporting Rowan’s business students. Doubling down on this generosity, he recently committed $500,000 as part of Forging Forward: The Campaign for Rowan University, an initiative to support students, innovation and impact.

Because he knows firsthand how a polished appearance can influence opportunity, Galvin’s gift includes $150,000 to ensure that RCB students have access to professional attire for interviews, internships and first jobs.

“This type of investment has a direct, real time impact on students who are in a similar situation as I was,” said Galvin, the first in his family to attend college. “When people are dressed well, it makes them feel good. It makes them feel successful.”

From an idea to a movement

The program began as a simple concept in 2023: 50 suits for 50 students to celebrate RCB’s 50th anniversary. But funding was uncertain—until Galvin wrote a check for $15,000.

“Making a good first impression is always important,” Galvin said at the time. “If you’re going into a traditional path – maybe work for a public company – you need to look and act the part to get into the club.”

More than a suit of clothes

Finance and accounting major Mosharaf Khan, one of the first recipients of a J. Crew outfit funded by Galvin two years ago, proudly wore his sharp blue suit to the ribbon cutting.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is the effect Tony Galvin has had beyond the financial,” Khan said. “He talks to us, mentors us, and we’re so appreciative.”

A legacy of giving

Galvin’s commitment to Rowan runs deep. A Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2013 and member of the RCB Dean’s Advisory Council, he retired from the retail outlet industry in 2011 after senior leadership roles at Coach, Inc., and Chelsea Property Group. In 2016, he was inducted into the Outlet Industry Hall of Fame.

Through the Anthony J. Galvin Foundation, he has supported scholarships and youth programs for years. His funding established the Anthony J. Galvin Scholarship Fund within the RCB in 2005, which has provided $250,000 to support 28 scholarship recipients to date. His latest gift furthers his commitment to the success of RCB students with additional support for the scholarship and the program to outfit 30 students annually with new suits. Students may also access gently used professional clothing and accessories through the Galvin Professional Closet. So far, more than 100 students have benefited.

A Shared Experience

Rowan President Ali Houshmand, himself a first-generation college student, reflected on the importance of Galvin’s gift.

“I still remember as an undergraduate putting on a suit and how much it boosted my confidence,” Houshmand said. “Tony’s been an amazing friend of the University. On behalf of our students, thank you so much.”