By: Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
More students and faculty at St. Bonaventure University will sport moustaches this upcoming November, participating in the international fundraising initiative, Movember. Men are encouraged to grow mustaches in order to raise awareness and spark the conversation about men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental well-being.
This is St. Bonaventure’s third year of involvement in the 30-day campaign. “MoBonas,” a group started and captained by associate professor of chemistry David Hilmey, encourages men on campus to grow facial hair above their upper lips.
Women who support the cause, referred to as “Mo Sistas,” aren’t advised to grow moustaches, but instead, to show their participation by supporting men and raising awareness for men’s health.
Junior mathematics and physics double major Nick Papalia said that he came across many women on campus with fake moustaches drawn in mascara or marker for last year’s Movember movement.
Movember focuses on the health issues that men don’t regularly check for.
“Traditionally, men don’t like to go to the doctor if they don’t feel well,” Hilmey said.
He said there needs to be a higher amount of cancer screenings and attentiveness toward the problem of mental health.
Sophomore marketing major Mike Muffoletto said he didn’t know much about Movember last year, but he had friends who participated.
“It looked like a fun way to raise awareness and make a difference,” Muffoletto said.
He plans to join in on the campaign this time around.
Last year, the MoBonas team raised $6,400 during Movember, ranking St. Bonaventure as 16th in the United States for college campus fundraising. The campaign was conducted in memory of Dr. Jeffrey Peterson, the longtime chair of the department of finance, who died of cancer on Feb. 11, 2013.
“Dr. Peterson was our motivating factor last year,” Hilmey said. “He was well liked all around campus. (Movember) was something fun to do in his honor.”
For this year’s Movember undertaking, MoBonas is planning to sell t-shirts in the Hickey Dining Hall. For further information, contact Hilmey or Brother Kevin Kriso, or visit us.movember.com.
