Return of Mustachio Bashio: An OC Event with a Good Cause
On November 15, 2024, St. Lawrence University’s very own Outing Club coordinated the grand return of Mustachio Bashio. But Simone, you may be asking, what is Mustachio Bashio? Oh boy, get ready! Though in recent years this event has been forgotten, it is a time-honored SLU tradition. Members of our community repped their most impressive mustaches and whipped around campus, went through buildings, and lapped around the track on whatever wheels they had. From bikes, to skateboards, to rollerblades, to heelys, to ripsticks to unicycles – you see it all. The ride concluded on the OC’s side lawn where participants enjoyed a delicious cookout, the opportunity to rip on the dry slope, and good vibes.
November is prostate cancer awareness month. This event’s purpose is to promote awareness and fundraise money for prostate cancer research. OC member, Emerson Brott ’26, worked hard behind the scenes to organize the event. Brott sent out copious emails to the listserv, organized tabling in the student center, hung posters, advertised on social media, made stickers, ordered mustaches, and a whole lot more. “It was very involved but absolutely worth it,” he said. “Mustachio Bashio is first and foremost a fundraiser to raise money for prostate cancer research, and this year we were able to donate $275. Equally as important though, it follows the OC’s mission to provide fun and accessible events for everyone in our campus community.” While the event was entirely free to attend, students had the opportunity to contribute to the cause through purchase of limited-edition OC mustachio stickers, stick on mustaches, and 50/50 raffle tickets all available with a five-dollar donation.
One highlight of the event was going through the Student Center. “As for riding through the STU, when else do you get to do that without getting yelled at?” says Brott. “The faces of the people who had no idea what was going on were hilarious, and the energy amongst the crowd was electric. Next year we will definitely be doing all three levels.” OC member, Allie Gill ’26, had a remarkable experience in the Stu and throughout the entire ride. “It was so fun. I had such a good time getting in funny outfits and riding bikes with everybody,” said Gill. “Mustachio Bashio used to be a really big tradition at SLU, and I think it’s awesome it’s coming back. I hope we can get even bigger numbers next year.” This event is a prime example of the OC’s commitment to fundraise for good causes and additionally host eccentric events that are enjoyable to all.
The goal of piquing student interest and participation in Outing Club tomfoolery was undeniably achieved. Jordanna Samburgh ’27 is a current sophomore who will be living in the OC next semester. Samburg is looking forward to Peak Weekend next fall, leading trips and hosting events. “I’m very excited to live in the Outing Club,” she said. “I did enjoy Mustachio Bashio. I was a little sad because I recently had my own bike stolen, but I still enjoyed it, and I loved my mustache. It was really fun.” While those who participated in Mustachio Bashio this year had a blast, the OC is hopeful that more people will join in on the enjoyment next year.
“It previously garnered upwards of 100 participants and we are hoping that we will be able to restore it to its former glory in coming years,” said Brott. “Overall, it was such a fun experience, and I hope more people are there to experience it with us next year.” If even after living vicariously through Mustachio Bashio you are still bummed you missed it – never fear! The OC has an abundance of opportunities to get involved in upcoming events just like this one.