Eastern Connecticut State University’s “Management Techniques: Leadership and Problem-Solving” class hosted an Awareness Walk for Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer on Nov. 5. The event was one of several the class will sponsor in November with “Movember,” the international nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues. “October is always full of events for breast cancer awareness, but prostate cancer doesn’t get as much publicity,” said Alex Mercier, one of the event coordinators. “Prostate cancer actually affects more men than breast cancer affects women.” Working with Mercier to plan and coordinate the awareness walk were Sports and Leisure Management majors Jeff Woodworth, Amanda Stevens and Nick Muszyka.
Professor Gregory Kane choose this cause for his class’s projects because men’s health month does often get overlooked, and because the first two months of the semester gives his students time to hone their leadership skills. Working to raise funds for Movember also gives the class experience in philanthropy. “Eastern is enthusiastic about experiential learning, so this my version of that — combining atypical learning with something useful and meaningful,” Kane said. “Fundraising is an important part of working with the public, which is integral to the Sports and Leadership Management major. In addition, we are able to introduce a public health component through our marketing strategy, which is important to the Health and Physical Education Department.”
The class is split into groups based on interests such as facilities management, marketing and leadership. Each will host an event this month that works toward raising funds and awareness of men’s health issues, including the awareness walk, a basketball tournament, and t-shirt and bake sales. “It’s meaningful work that raises awareness for an issue,” said Woodworth, “and it also gives students an opportunity to work on real-life projects and develop professional skills.”