No-Shave November kicked off on Nov. 1 at UTM with a clean-shaven start.
Throughout the month of November, the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Affairs is hosting a series of events confronting stigmas and stereotypes surrounding men and mental health.
So far, 16 male students have signed up for the month-long challenge of growing out their facial hair.
Assistant Student Life Director, Chris Gunlefinger, organized the event because he felt that it is important to discuss men’s health and wellness.
The facial hair evokes a conversation and raises awareness about cancer; more specifically, this event focuses on prostate cancer, which is one of the most common forms of cancer in America, affecting one in seven men.
According to a study conducted by Baylor College of Medicine, a man is 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than a woman with breast cancer.
One goal of No Shave November is that participants would donate the money they would typically spend on shaving and grooming. The proceeds go towards educating people about prostate cancer and benefit people currently fighting prostate cancer.
The month-long tradition began in 2004 when a group of men in Australia raised awareness for prostate cancer by growing mustaches for the month of November. The significance of growing out their hair is it is something that many cancer patients are unable to do due to treatments.
No Shave November will conclude with a beard contest and a military regulation mustache growing contest for ROTC cadets Friday, Nov. 30. Winners of the contest will be announced via Facebook live Dec. 3.
Contact Gunlefinger for more information about No Shave November at cgunlefi@utm.edu.
