Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Welcome to Fashion Merchandising!

Our Fashion Merchandising program will teach you the business side of the Fashion Industry. We focus on buying, textiles, visual merchandising, fashion technology and giving you the tools to start your own fashion business. You will also have the chance to take a design elective or gain valuable hands on experience through our internship program. Our Fashion Merchandising program will prepare you to transfer and continue your education, or jump directly into the workforce.

Finally, as Curriculum Chair, it is important for you to meet with me early on in the semester. It is helpful to review your course selections together to ensure curriculum requirements are met and that you follow an efficient timeline to get the most out of the program and your experience here at Westchester Community College.

Please contact me if you have any further questions: Karen.schlusberg@sunywcc.edu or (914) 606-5632.

Contact Information

Phone: 914-606-5632
Office location: Gateway 344
Email: karen.schlusberg@sunywcc.edu
Department/Division: Fashion Merchandising
Title(s): Curriculum Chair
Degree Information: MBA

Karen Schlusberg is a seasoned fashion educator, philanthropist, style industry executive and successful entrepreneur best known for her keen sense of style and community generosity. With both a Bachelor’s degree and MBA in Marketing from Iona College, Karen has harnessed her love of fashion into the field of higher education. While teaching fashion merchandising at Marist College, Karen created “Fashionology”, a fashion student run store. Most recently as interim curriculum chairperson of Fashion Merchandising at SUNY Westchester Community College, Karen has developed strategic partnerships with FIT and high school programs, and is considered a mentor among students during her six years as senior adjunct professor of fashion.

Karen has successfully parlayed her ability to grow the bottom-line as CEO and founder of 13-year old Maize Boutique, winning “Best of Westchester” for three years in a row.  Additionally, Karen has partnered with both Eileen Fisher and Operation Prom to offer student opportunities to give back to the community and become socially responsible style leaders.

Prior to her entrepreneurial and teaching endeavors, Karen was an executive of product development at such major corporations as Liz Claiborne where she led design teams both domestically and abroad. Karen’s financial acumen was well known in the apparel industry where she consistently increased profit and was able to grow and develop new categories and opportunities for each of her companies.

Karen’s commitment to fashion at Westchester Community College is always a student-driven passion and includes such numerous initiatives as Miami Fashion internships, style newsletters and the exciting fashion shows and events on campus.

Financial Aid

Nearly 33% of Westchester Community College students receive some form of financial aid. Financial Aid is available to students who qualify. In addition, the Westchester Community College Foundation offers $1.6 million in scholarships annually.

Sports

The Westchester Community College Athletic Department sponsors thirteen different intercollegiate athletic teams in various sports. The roster of sports offered includes Men’s Baseball, Women's Softball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Track and Field, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball. Visit the Vikings Athletics website for schedules, reports, and more.

Locations

We’re accessible: Public transit-friendly main campus and extension locations. Online classes for wherever you are. Valhalla (main campus); extension sites in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Shrub Oak, Mahopac, Ossining, Port Chester and Peekskill (Center for the Digital Arts) and White Plains (Center for the Arts).