february 2009 issue
Student Column
Hair-Deprived U of A Students
Raise $30,000 for Cancer Research
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BY JOCELYN WESTWOOD |
The much-anticipated Engineering Head Shave saw 60 scalps’ worth of hair shed for cancer research, Nov. 28 at the University of Alberta. Hosted by the Engineering Students’ Society, the event provided a visible show of support for those suffering from cancer.
Students raised money through sponsorship from family, friends and peers. Then, all 60 heads were shaved in the solarium of the Engineering Teaching and Learning Centre. It took most of the afternoon to buzz through them all.
Some students volunteered because they have family members affected by cancer. Others simply wanted to do what they could to help, even though their lives had never been touched by the disease. Students in all years and disciplines of engineering participated, and young men and women alike opted for the bald look — in some cases the guys had more hair to lose than the girls!
All that hair did not hit the floor in vain. When the contributions from sponsors and money raised by participants were combined, the total for the Alberta Cancer Foundation had reached $30,838.66.
Speakers at the shave shared their stories of dealing and living with cancer. Cancer survivor Brittany Taylor discussed her battle with osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer; it is in fact the same type of cancer that claimed the life of the famed Terry Fox. Despite the pain and strife that the disease caused her, Brittany was positive and optimistic that a cure for cancer will someday be found.
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SHAVES AND SHAVE-NOTS |
Charissa Spencer from the Alberta Cancer Foundation spoke of its role in ongoing research and treatment. MC Layne Mitchell from Edmonton radio station Sonic 102.9 shared his personal connection to the disease.
Over the past five years, engineering students and the ESS have managed to raise $146,604 for the cancer foundation. This is an incredible contribution and will surely have an impact.
Engineering Students
Show Their Spirit
January is typically a time when engineering students at the U of A show pride in their faculty and their discipline by participating in Geer Week. Occurring in the second week of January, this event pits engineering disciplines against each other as they vie for the title of Geer Week champion.
This year was no different. Clubs for all disciplines gave their best efforts throughout the week. Outdoor events such as a tug-of-war tested the students’ coordination, as well as their ability to withstand Edmonton’s freezing temperatures. The Battle of the Bands showcased the impressive musical talent of engineering students.
A design competition and the relatively new Are You Smarter Than A First-Year?! allowed engineering students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they’ve learned in class.
The Engineers’ Ball wound up the week, proving that engineering students do have fashion sense. Students arrived decked out in their finest formal suits and dresses.
Geer Week was a fun-filled week that allowed students to relax and enjoy themselves before the semester really began.