The Transfer Student Association at Mississippi State University calls out all beards as it hosts its “beard competition,” that began Nov. 1 and continues until Nov. 26.
“Movember” is an annual event during the month of November that includes the growing of beards and moustaches to raise awareness of prostate cancer and other health factors. According to the American cancer society, prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found among American men. 
MSU’s competition contains three categories of beards: most creative beard, best groomed beard and longest beard.
Brandy Davis, senior communication major and one coordinator of the event, said the competition serves as a source of fun for MSU.
“We will have a ‘grow your beard’ booth set up on the Drill Field on Nov. 26,” Davis said. “You can come by and have a photo of your beard taken and made, or you can tweet a picture of your beard to @msu_transfer. It costs $5 to enter the competition and $1 to vote.”
Kyle Walker, senior special education major, said the booth will also be set up Dec. 2-3 to allow people the chance to vote.
“This is such a cool thing because it provides everyone with the chance to win, that is voters and players,” Walker said. “Voters will be given raffles that will make them eligible to win a dinner for two from McAlister’s, a free trim from Rooney’s, T-shirts from Stinky Feet and gift cards.”
Walker said the competition is a way to get students involved and also proves beneficial for health awareness month of November.
“About five or 10 percent of the money we raise will be donated for prostate cancer research,” he said. “We really will not know the full outcome of the competition until the end of November, after everyone has grown out their beards. Even if a female wants to grow out her beard, she‘s welcome to attempt.”
Taylor King, director of Transfer Student Affairs, said the competition idea was created by the Transfer Leadership Board fundraising team and is in relation to the new “movember” trend.
“We are giving away some prizes that are great True Maroon valuables to winners of the competition,” King said. “They include a signed baseball and two signed cowbells by Dr. Keenum and Scott Stricklin. We are hoping to get entries from both students and staff. I’m excited to see funds raised, further transfer student enrichment and of course, to see what crazy beard picture entries we will have by the end of the month.”
Entry fees can be taken to the SA office in the Colvard Student Union or paid Nov. 26 on the Drill Field. Voting will be held Dec. 2 – 3 on the Drill Field. Follow @msu_transfer on Twitter and Instagram to see contestant photos and winners. For more information, contact [email protected].
 
 

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Leon Carrubba

Movember