The award presentation coincided with the inaugural meeting of the department's newly formed Fashion and Apparel Studies Advisory Board.
“Liz Claiborne was chosen because of the company's success on a global scale and because of its commitment to socially responsible practices, as an early member of the Apparel Industry Partnership, which, in turn, reflects the department's values,” Marsha Dickson, department chairperson, said. “Fashion and Apparel Studies has had a good relationship with Liz Claiborne, which has given support to the department faculty and hired many of our graduates.”
“I was absolutely honored to accept the award for Liz Claiborne. Social responsibility is so important,” Zusi said.
Zusi said her four years at UD were wonderful and prepared her well for her career. “I would recommend that anyone interested in fashion and apparel come to the University of Delaware. Jo Kallal was one of my professors and took a personal interest in all her students,” she said.
“The department is getting better and better,” she added. “Marsha has done a tremendous job assembling all these well-qualified people in the industry for the advisory board.”
Zusi began her career as a designer, then moved to Hong Kong in 1985, traveling all over Asia. Her next move was to Portugal, followed by a return to New York to work for Bernard Chaus, where she rose to become vice president of piece goods. She then moved to Los Angeles where she was vice president of manufacturing for Carole Little before taking her present position with Liz Claiborne.
The Fashion and Apparel Studies Advisory Board was created as a “mutually beneficial partnership between the department and its industry and organizational stakeholders,” according to its charter. The goals are ”to maintain program excellence; provide access to information, innovation and scholarship that benefits all partners; and develop professionals with essential knowledge and critical skills to creatively contribute to fashion and apparel-related fields.”
Besides its meeting, the board also held a roundtable discussion with students and faculty.
“We are very pleased to welcome the advisory board, which consists of more than 20 members from across the industry--some from local or regional companies, some from national or international companies, some beginning their careers and others well-established in their careers,” Dickson said.
Among the board members are alumni Jessica Barkley, CHEP '93; Nate Herman, AS '92; Nicole Reilly, CHEP '01; and Zusi.
Article by Sue Moncure
Photo by Duane Perry