Paul Quesnele
Credit: AUC
While past Movember campaigns have focused on raising awareness for prostate cancer, the movement overall has grown to include more general men's health issues. This year, Quesnele really wants to focus the university community on men's mental health issues through the campaign. "A lot of students go untreated for mental health issues," said Quesnele. "I think this is a good opportunity to have some fun, but also to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health."
Unlike a lot of other campaigns, Quesnele is less concerned about raising money, and more focused on raising awareness. When asked what a successful campaign would be, he said, "If there are a significant number of moustaches on campus, and they act like tiny little billboards promoting awareness, I'll be happy."
Students, faculty, and staff will all be shaving their faces the morning of November 1st, and then letting the moustache grow for the entire month. Quesnele is optimistic that a considerable portion of the AU community would participate. For his part, his big shave on Thursday morning will be his first in over 8 years. "I've forgotten what it's like to be clean shaven," he said.
