13 of the best 'No Shave November' mustaches at BYU

13 of the best 'No Shave November' mustaches at BYU


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You may have noticed an influx in facial hair recently. In case you didn't know, November is also known as "No Shave November" and "Movember." These nicknames and efforts help raise awareness for men's health throughout the month.

As you can imagine with BYU ranking as the number one most sober university for 18 straight years by the Princeton Review, the folks who attend the university are in full support of men's health.

This month, many graduate students at BYU decided to showcase their facial hair in support of the cause, while still maintaining honor code standards.

Here are 13 bios of those brave enough to bear the 'stache in November.

Student: Matthew Nielson
Current graduate degree: Human Development, School of Family Life
Hometown: Nephi, Utah

What led you to graduate school? I became interested in this field to become a therapist, but after a few summers doing therapy with troubled teens, I decided to stay in an academic context.

Why did you choose BYU? The faculty in the Human Development program are wonderfully involved and supremely productive; it provided an excellent place for me to jump-start my academic career while learning more about the field and potential PhD programs. And, of course, such a benefit to be able to discuss human development in the greater context of spiritual development and a religious perspective.

Something interesting about you: I'm really into grandma/grandpa lifestyle choices right now. My kitchen houses a flock of ceramic geese and a tweed jacket with elbow patches is the crown of my wardrobe.

Matthew Neilson | Turns out that city boys in New York pay a ton of money to graft hair from their heads onto their faces to keep up with those whom nature endowed with true greatness.
Matthew Neilson | Turns out that city boys in New York pay a ton of money to graft hair from their heads onto their faces to keep up with those whom nature endowed with true greatness.

Student: Rohan S.
Current graduate degree: MBA
Hometown: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

What led you to graduate school? I wanted to hone my business skills and get a global education before I return to my home country to make a positive difference in people's lives in India.

Why did you choose BYU? Rankings, value for money, placements, and a flexible MBA program.

What are you planning to do with your degree? I am planning to work in the US for a couple of years before I go back to my country, India, and start a venture with my brother that would directly impact the lives of people from my country.

Something interesting about you: I did an "around the country in 20 days trip" in India. I covered the length and breadth of the country by bus and by travelling every night to a new destination. It was an adventure and endurance trip, the goal was to not pay for lodging during those 20 days. It was fun and I learned about various parts of my country and experienced new beautiful locations that most people don't visit in their own country.

Rohan S. | I have been trying the Super Mario look with my 'stache and this is the closest I got to it, the cap is missing though.
Rohan S. | I have been trying the Super Mario look with my 'stache and this is the closest I got to it, the cap is missing though.

Student: Zann Anderson
Current graduate degree: Computer Science
Hometown: Logan, Utah

What led you to graduate school? I was bored of normal developer jobs and decided I wanted to go in a more research-oriented direction. I wanted to do awesome things with computers.

Why did you choose BYU? BYU is an amazing school and has a great CS department. Also, I was an employee at the time.

Zann Anderson
Zann Anderson

Student: Jeremy Moore
Current graduate degree: MPA
Hometown: Prescott, Arizona

What led you to graduate school? I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives and when I found the BYU MPA program I knew that it was exactly what I wanted. Non-profits and governments are unique because they exist solely to serve (in theory), and that was just what I wanted to do.

Why did you choose BYU? BYU is a great school, a wonderful environment, and a family tradition. I didn't apply anywhere else!

Something interesting about you: I trim my mustache daily to meet stringent guidelines set by the Army (AR 670-1). and maintain professional appearance.

Jeremy Moore
Jeremy Moore

Student: Jarrod Call
Current graduate degree: Social Work
Hometown: Auburn, Washington

What led you to graduate school? After serving an LDS mission, I went through a difficult period as I attempted to navigate a personal struggle with depression, questions about sexuality, and finding my place in my faith and academic communities. Thankfully, I have been blessed with ample access to critical resources such as excellent education, reasonable economic security, accessible health care, loving family and friends, and professional assistance. I recognized that many don't have these same resources, and I wanted to work to help provide support and resources to individuals who do not have the same privilege and support that I did.

Why did you choose BYU? I always knew that I wanted to attend BYU. My family members had positive experiences there, and I loved the idea of participating in a community that has a competitive academic reputation and a vibrant spiritual community.

Something interesting about you: I actually picked my name when I was three years old. Right around my third birthday, my family moved. When we moved, my mother sat me down, explained that I had a cousin who had the same name as me (I went by Jared for the my first few years), and then asked me if I wanted to change how I pronounced my name. I decided that I liked the name Jarrod better, and have gone by that pronunciation ever since.

Jarrod Call | My mustache is like a super hero who's power is initiating conversations about men's mental health. While I don't normally sport a mustache, I love how it has helped me spread awareness, and I think it is growing on me :)
Jarrod Call | My mustache is like a super hero who's power is initiating conversations about men's mental health. While I don't normally sport a mustache, I love how it has helped me spread awareness, and I think it is growing on me :)

Student: Ben Grimm
Current graduate degree: EMBA
Hometown: Syracuse, Utah

What led you to graduate school? It has been a life long dream to get my MBA and when I hear LDS leaders always talking about getting as much education as we can, I wanted to get mine.

Why did you choose BYU? The values that BYU represents and the brand that BYU is. It also helps that it is so much less expensive than other places.

Something interesting about you: I have two different colored eyes and I am a first generation college graduate.

Benjamin Grimm | I don't always drink root beer. But when I do, it's A&W... Stay thirsty my BYU friends.
Benjamin Grimm | I don't always drink root beer. But when I do, it's A&W... Stay thirsty my BYU friends.

Student: Derrick Hunter Current graduate degree: Accounting / Tax
Hometown: Provo, Utah

What led you to graduate school? I wanted to study accounting and Utah requires a master's degree to get a CPA license. I also did not want to limit myself and I knew that I could accomplish a lot more with a master's degree.

Why did you choose BYU? BYU was the only school I ever wanted to attend. I came for the sports and experience, I stayed for the education.

Something interesting about you: I threw up on stage twice at a high school assembly. Ew!

Derrick Hunter | I can grow a mean beard, but I have this peach fuzz for a 'stache!
Derrick Hunter | I can grow a mean beard, but I have this peach fuzz for a 'stache!

Student: Isaac Wutkee
Current graduate degree: MPA
Hometown: Moorpark, California

What led you to graduate school? I finished my undergrad in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and wanted more options for a career (with an interest in working at a University), so I went into graduate school.

Why did you choose BYU? I chose BYU because the MPA program is inside the School of Management rather than a school of Public Policy, which was more appealing to me.

Something interesting about you: I wear glasses (even though I don't need them) to school when it snows solely to have a sort of windshield as I ride my bike to class. It just works for me.

Isaac Wutkee | I have five brothers, and I definitely grow the least facial hair. I have never grown a mustache before, and I'm not sure even this qualifies. But this month's effort is not about me; it's bigger than me.
Isaac Wutkee | I have five brothers, and I definitely grow the least facial hair. I have never grown a mustache before, and I'm not sure even this qualifies. But this month's effort is not about me; it's bigger than me.

Student: Bobby Hale
Current graduate degree: Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD
Hometown: Spanish Fork, Utah

What led you to graduate school? I enjoy school, and found an interest in research that eventually led to me deciding to start a master's degree and then pursue a PhD. Never saw myself doing graduate school before my last year as an undergraduate.

Why did you choose BYU? As Michael Oher said, "Because it's where my family goes to school!" My parents and most of my siblings went to BYU, it's a fantastic school, I can be surrounded by others with my values, it's inexpensive, and it's local. Couldn't ask for more.

Something interesting about you: Everyone makes fun of me for this, but I still have this enormous stuffed fish that I've had since high school named "Jiggs." Jiggs has experienced everything from practical jokes, being part of Halloween costumes, and being an extra on "Everwood," but primarily serves as an excellent and humurous pillow.

Bobby Hale | A mustache has no glory without a beard to back it up (and a beard card to legitimize it)...and lots of scientific research equipment.
Bobby Hale | A mustache has no glory without a beard to back it up (and a beard card to legitimize it)...and lots of scientific research equipment.

Student: Samuel Buck
Current graduate degree: Master of Information Systems Management
Hometown: Conyers, Georgia

What led you to graduate school? I wanted to gain more education in my field of study.

Why did you choose BYU? I have blue blood and enjoy being around others who have my standards.

Something interesting about you: I'm an Asian that can grow facial hair.

Samuel Buck | I grew my mustache just for my BYU card. One day I will grow a Fu Manchu!
Samuel Buck | I grew my mustache just for my BYU card. One day I will grow a Fu Manchu!

Student: Jordan Rogers
Current graduate degree: MAcc - Tax Emphasis
Hometown: Carson City, Nevada

What led you to graduate school? It's kind of a big deal in the financial world. I wanted to be a part of that big deal.

Why did you choose BYU? I set my sights on BYU's nationally ranked accounting program on day one of my very first accounting course. Professor Kay Stice was wearing a Hawaiin button up shirt and that sold me (kidding, but kind of serious).

Something interesting about you: I'm a top collar button down shirt type of guy.

Jordan Rogers | Sometimes a man just needs to do up his top button and grow a 'stache.
Jordan Rogers | Sometimes a man just needs to do up his top button and grow a 'stache.

Student: Kirk Snider
Current graduate degree: MBA
Hometown: Alberta, Canada

What led you to graduate school? I wanted to develop my quantitative skills and transition to a more fast paced career.

Why did you choose BYU? The faculty is amazing.

Something interesting about you: Canada has twice been invaded by the USA, first in 1775 and then 1812. Now, as a Canadian, my mustache invades the U.S.

Kirk Snider | I've never really been one to grow facial hair, but when I do, it's too light for anyone to notice. With the help of my wife's mascara, this wispy blond 'stache became a bold, manly showstopper.
Kirk Snider | I've never really been one to grow facial hair, but when I do, it's too light for anyone to notice. With the help of my wife's mascara, this wispy blond 'stache became a bold, manly showstopper.

Student: Rajesh Arumugam
Current graduate degree: MBA
Hometown: Pondicherry, India

What led you to graduate school? My aspirations to be product manager and lead bigger business.

Why did you choose BYU? BYU has wonderful top quality MBA program with a wide alumni network.

Something interesting about you: One of my friends constantly tells me that I could publish a book with the names of all my crushes.

Rajesh Arumugam
Rajesh Arumugam

For more information on affordable and compelling master's and PhD programs, visit Brigham Young University – Graduate Studies at graduatestudies.byu.edu.

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