OU Students Raise Awareness Through 'No Shave November'

Gan Matthews, News 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- University of Oklahoma student Brandon Bartlett hasn't shaved since the last day of October. Neither has OU student Sean Hurt. It's not that they're lazy or slovenly, they're simply participating in "No Shave November," and bringing awareness to prostate cancer.

"It's a time where you don't shave the whole of November," said Bartlett. "You just kind let your beard grow out."

Hurt said he and his roommates have a bet going to see who can go the longest without shaving and there will be a prize in the end.

"A free dinner at the end of the month, if I don't shave, from my roommate," Hurt said.

"No Shave November" has a serious purpose--to raise awareness about prostate cancer. But many men on campus are growing their stubble just for fun--and as a statement about their manliness.

So what do the women on campus think about the men not shaving?

"Some guys can pull it off, and some guys just can't," said OU student Julie Bock. "Especially some of the younger freshmen who can't really grow beards yet. It's not really working for them."

Bartlett said he's letting his beard grow until the end of the month--but probably no longer.

"I have a girlfriend and like our six-month anniversary is like November 26, and she wants me to shave," Bartlett said.

The OSU football team is also participating in No Shave November.

The OU Cancer Institute said every year more than 2,000 Oklahoma men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.