Q&A with College of Human Sciences Graduation Marshal Sydnee Johnson

Sydnee Johnson, a soon to be Auburn University graduate receiving her bachelor’s degree in apparel design and production management, will represent the College of Human Sciences as the Graduation Marshal for the Summer 2024 commencement exercises. Learn more about Johnson’s path to Auburn and what drove her to pursue the APDP major and her plans to follow her dreams in New York following graduation.

Johnson describes herself as family-oriented, passionate and driven. “I would be nothing without the constant support of my family, who bring me inspiration every day,” Johnson states.

What made you decide on this degree?

“As cliché as it might sound, I woke up one morning (specifically the day before Auburn closed their undergraduate admissions) when I was a senior in high school and knew I needed to be in apparel design. I have been creative since I was a little girl, so I knew I had to be in a field where I could express myself. In high school, my form of self-expression was how I dressed. There actually was a joke at my school that my friends shopped at ‘Sydnee’s Closet’ because they would borrow my clothes so much. With my roots being planted in a small, rural town in Alabama, it has challenged me to push boundaries, create my own narrative, and expand my imagination. Growing up, I felt that perfection was the only way to be successful, but fashion is the complete opposite. Fashion is an ever-changing language that is up to personal interpretation, which graciously gave me a voice when I felt like mine was being stripped away. I did not realize that a successful apparel design program existed in my backyard; I knew it was meant to be.”

What did you find most appealing about the program in the College of Human Sciences?

“Before Auburn, I struggled to feel accepted by my colleagues; no one in my hometown seemed to understand the way my mind worked. I entered Spidle Hall and felt so seen. The best part of our program is the people. Our professors double as mentors, who give encouragement and guidance and want to see you succeed. They care about your personal life just as much as your academic career. I can’t count the number of times they gave me their shoulder to cry on. My favorite memories are the late nights spent in the sewing lab with my peers—people who were then strangers but now turned friends for a lifetime. Being surrounded by such talented and supportive cohorts has inspired and pushed me to be a better person, both creatively and personally. My creative spirit was given a home in our apparel design program.”

What are your plans following graduation?

“After graduation, I will continue my development & production internship with Proenza Schouler, a luxury womenswear brand, until after their runway show in New York Fashion Week in September. If given the chance, I may accept a job at Proenza Schouler post internship or apply to apparel/concept design job opportunities given to (FSF) Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholars. My ultimate career goal is to have a successful couture clothing brand. I understand it takes time to build a clothing brand, but I am up for the challenge. Ideally, I would like to work at a company such as Ralph Lauren in apparel/concept design while working on my own brand.”