Student wins shave of a lifetime

Michael Grant SM'13

As the confetti was still settling after the Boston Red Sox’s World Series win, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) first-year doctoral student Michael Grant, SM ’13, was the lucky fan selected to join Sox stars David Ortiz and Shane Victorino and Boston police officer Steve Horgan—famous for raising his arms in the bullpen to celebrate a grand slam by Ortiz in the American League Champion series—to have their playoff beards shaved as part of a fundraiser. Grant was chosen for the victory shave, held at Gillette World Shaving Headquarters in South Boston on November 4, 2013, after posting a photo of his bearded face on Gillette’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Gillette donated $100,000 to The One Fund to aid Boston Marathon bombing victims.

“It is important to remember that while this was such an amazing opportunity for me to be able to participate, we should not forget that this was all for a great cause—Gillette’s donation to The One Fund,” Grant said in an email. “What was it like for me? In two words―wicked awesome! The experience was unexpected and truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!”

He continued: “My family has always been full of Sox fans and I was indoctrinated at an early age. I got hooked on all Boston sports and never let go. David Ortiz has always been my favorite player for both his production on the field and how active he is in the community—an all-around great guy. To be able to meet him was a dream come true. This season (and post-season) I was impressed by Shane Victorino’s skill and passion for the game. It was great to talk to him and Officer Horgan about their experiences this year. I can’t thank Gillette enough for giving me the opportunity to take part in such an amazing event. This was also the first time I’ve had a professional shave (and the first time in close to five years that I’ve been clean shaven at all)!”

Grant is a first-year doctoral student in the Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program, concentrating in ergonomics and safety under [[Jack Dennerlein]], adjunct professor of ergonomics and safety in the Department of Environmental Health.

Read a press release about the event

Read a Boston Globe article

Watch Ortiz and Victorino get shaved on Fox25