The Mo’s of Ryerson

By Alanna Rizza 

Movember, or “No Shave November,” is the time of year where men grow (or attempt to grow) a moustache or beard to raise awareness about men’s health—specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

This month, there were various events held on Ryerson campus that supported the cause.

Residence Council

Residence Council and Movember leader Mac Smith held events on residence, such as candy grams, BYOB (bring your own bowl) ice cream and a competition where students voted on who should wear a fake beard. Movember t-shirts were also sold. Just over $1,000 was raised.

Schlanger Shave Off 

The Ryerson Commerce Society collected donations for raffle tickets throughout the month for Movember. Their goal of $2000 was reached and TRSM Professor David Schlanger’s moustache of 44 years was shaved off.

Members of the Ryerson community also participated. Here are some of the best beards on campus:

Name: Nick Wright

Program: Child and Youth Care

Year: First

Age: 27

What does Movember mean to you?

“From what I understand it’s an excellent cause. It’s a way in which people can promote [men’s health].”

What is it like having a beard?

“It feels warm. I can really tell the difference when I shave. And I guess I like the look of it as well.”

Name: Adam Biro

Job: Artist

Age: 37

Lives beside Ryerson and is a regular on campus

Did you grow your beard for No Shave November?

“To be honest I only started growing it at the end of last Christmas because I wanted to see how long I could get it to grow. It was really just a curiosity.”

What have you done for Movember?

“I think Movember is good, [but] I haven’t given any money. In fairness I am a low-income person by the standards [in which] we all live by. But compared to a Syrian refugee I am high-income. I’m grateful for my blessings.”

“Movember it good and raising awareness is good. As far as giving money, it’s big money for cancer groups. The money you give, it doesn’t all go to cancer. [Some] of it is pocket-change for a CEO.”

Name: TJ Singh

Program: Biomedical Science

Year: Second

Age: 19

What have you done for Movember?

“I donated money, and having a moustache helps support and bring awareness to prostate cancer.”

What’s it like to have a beard?

“It’s hairy.”

Name: Jon Bell

Program: Mechanical Engineering

Year: First

Age: 26

What does it feel like to have a beard?

“Well I get beard dandruff. [I] can also stroke it, it’s very philosophical.”

“Having a beard doesn’t make me feel smarter, but it does make me look older. People assume that I’m 5 to 10 years older.”

If you could give your beard a name what would it be?

“David. I don’t know, that’s just the first name that popped into my head.”