It started in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia. The idea was simple. Men would grow mustaches in the month of November to broadcast their support for those with prostate cancer and to raise awareness for the disease in a unique and provocative way. The concept was that men with mustaches would become living and breathing billboards, spreading awareness for their cause.

But in the eight years since, the idea has exploded. As far as the official movement, known as Movember, there are 1.1 million official participants worldwide, and the group has raised more than $7.4 million in the United States alone, according to the website. It is a non-profit organization, and 83 percent of the funds go directly to men’s health programs.

“I’m a ‘Mo Bro’,” freshman Mikie Zupon says.

A ‘Mo Bro’ is a name for males participating in Movember, and a ‘Mo Sista’ is the term for females.

“I heard about (Movember) on the board (on the first floor of Schurz Hall),” Zupon says.

Although Zupon had participated in years past, this is the first year that he is doing it for prostate cancer awareness.

“There’s nothing just for guys, and I like it because prostate cancer is a big problem and it’s a good cause,” Zupon says.

Just as many men show their support for breast cancer awareness, women can show their support by not shaving their legs.

“I participate in No Shave November for the same reasons football players wear pink,” freshman Katy Mersmann says. “It’s important to support health issues for both genders.”

Movember, though, is not the only reason that students choose to let their cheeks go rugged and their chins disappear. Camaraderie and other elements come into play as well. As the event’s popularity grows, beards seem to be contagious.

“It’s fun and everybody else does it,” freshman Garrett Hager says. “It’s a good little game, gives me a reason to grow out a beard.”

The added convenience of not having to take a razor to one’s face a couple of times a week is, according to Zupon, a definite benefit.

“I like not caring,” Zupon says. “And I like that it’s perfectly acceptable to not care.”

Views appear to differ between men and women on what constitutes “perfectly acceptable,” and there are potential drawbacks for those less inclined to sprouting hair under their nostrils.

“If it’s a good beard, then I’m a fan,” freshman Andrea Westhoff says. “But if it’s not, it’s the most disgusting thing ever.”

The potential disapproval of the other sex does not appear to be a concern for Hager.

“This is the first year that I’m going all the way,” Hager says. “I like the beard, and I like that I’m not the only one growing it out.”

One of the men standing by his side for the duration of the month will be Zupon, who says he has done it partially in the last three years, but plans on going the full 30 days this year.

Whether it’s for a cause or just an opportunity to save a couple of minutes, November will be an itchy, scruffy month.