Student Shout-Out: Sean, Jonathan, and the Diamond Dons for "Movember"

Today’s “Student Shout-Out” goes to senior Communication Studies majors Sean Burns and Jonathan Abramson, who have more in common than just their major.  They are both on the USF men’s baseball team, and the team was just featured for their work off the baseball diamond. 

This past semester, the team brainstormed some creative ways to support charities.  Under the guidance of their coach, Nino Giarratano, they participated in “Movember,”  where they grew moustaches and beards to help raise money for charity.  A bit of background: evidently Coach Giarratano prefers his players to be clean-shaven, so facial hair has been frowned-upon.  He was inspired to involve his players in this fundraising activity when his close friend, Jeff Redfern, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Over 200 people donated to the cause and by the end of “Movember” the team had raised $7,500, which was donated to Mr. Redfern over the holidays, to help pay for medical bills.  You can read the whole story here: http://usfdons.com/sports/m-basebl/2010-11/releases/20110110tz9el9

You can also learn more about the “Movember” project here: http://us.movember.com/about/  According to the website, “Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start [N]ovember 1st  clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month.  The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men.” 

Check out the pictures of Sean, Jonathan, and the team below, all sporting facial hair for “Movember”!

A scruffy #15 Sean Burns

A tough looking #18 Jonathan Abramson (he's really nice, but don't tell the opposing team!)

The Diamond Dons, all sporting facial hair for Movember

After the success of the program this year, Coach Giarratano plans on making this an annual event, looking for specific families to help each year, to make the cause more personal for the players.  Congratulations to our Communication Studies majors, Sean and Jonathan, and to Coach Giarratano and the entire team for this successful and creative fundraiser!

Get ready… we will be supporting Sean and Jonathan at a Communication Studies Game Day this semester (details will be posted here on the blog)!  Their season kicks off February 18th at UCLA.  Go Dons!