Biology Professor James Strauss will shave his beard and mustache in front of a classroom full of students today, as part of a THON fundraiser called Professor Stressors.

Strauss was picked to shave his beardy locks after raising the most money out of five professors, who volunteered to perform a dare if they collected the most cash FTK. Strauss won after raising $220.

The fundraiser, which is now in its second year, is run by FOTO, a Special Interest Organization benefiting THON.

“This year we had five different male teachers,” Marisa Fiorentino, president of FOTO said. “The teachers get to pick what they’re going to do and then they let us know.”

Strauss beat out a couple of tough competitors, including Economics Professor Dave Brown, who pledged he would teach an entire class while holding his wife’s embroidered flower purse. Last year’s winner, Brad Barlow, taught a class in the Forum dressed as Buddy the Elf.

FOTO started fundraising in early December, setting out jars in the HUB for students to put money toward their favorite professor. They also went around to classrooms to raise money, where individual students sometimes shell out as much as $20 to see their professor of choice suffer, Fiorentino said.

Professor Stressors, originally named Teacher Torture, was founded last year as an alternative fundraiser. FOTO has been involved in multiple alternative fundraisers since it was founded in 2009. The fundraiser is popular among students, Fiorentino said.

“It’s a good laugh, especially when this week is so stressful for everyone,” Fiorentino said. “It’s good to have some fun before finals.”

Strauss will shave his beard at 1:25 p.m. in 121 Sparks. Students are welcome to stop in.

Do you have class with Strauss? Tweet us a picture of the deed to @OnwardState!