April 17, 2006

Contact: Gordon Ovenshine: 724-738-4854; gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU BIOLOGY PROFESSOR PLEDGES TO SHAVE HEAD

TO SUPPORT APRIL 22-23 CANCER FUND-RAISER

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – If donors contribute at least $750 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life April 22-23 at Slippery Rock University, SRU biology faculty Dr. Mark Shotwell says he will shave his head – in public.

The shearing will take place about 3 p.m. April 22, at SRU’s Old Thompson Field. Shotwell said he is willing to lose his locks because his grandmother and two close friends died from cancer. “It’s a great cause, and this is a simple thing that I can do to support it,” said Shotwell, associate professor of biology.

Relay for Life is a 24-hour event designed to increase cancer awareness. It kicks off with a “Survivor’s Walk” at 4 p.m., with a luminary ceremony at dusk, and continues through the next day with bands and various activities.

Teams of walkers collect pledges and take turns walking the track through the night. Many participants sleep in shifts in tents at the field.

Shotwell said collection buckets have been placed at the SGA Bookstore at SRU, or you can call him at 724-738-2476 or email at mark.shotwell@sru.edu. Checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society.

#PN