It makes sense that David Goa, director of the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life at the University of Alberta, would have a biblical beard. Though it’s taken him 40 years to grow it, and daily washing can be a chore, it’s paid off enormously. “Given my field research in religious communities,” he says, “it has likely been an advantage in my work.”
Every winter, Jordan Singer lets his red stubble shine but always contrasts it with a high-fashion wardrobe plucked off the racks of his Henry Singer stores. Paired with his annual detox cleanse, the “rugged chic” beard is a time for renewal. Plus, he says, “My beard keeps me warm and lets my skin feel its best, due to not shaving.”
Renaissance man Fish Griwkowsky’s “papa” beard (or, on off days, “Cmdr. Soupsponge” beard) is “the ruin of a 2006 playoff beard.” Even though arena negotiations have turned him off hockey for good, he learned beards “transmit illusory wisdom.” As a bonus, “they mask missing chins and filter out superficial mates.” He’s pictured with his wife, Dara Humniski. Both are Avenue Top 40 Under 40 Alumni.
Digital strategist and man about town, Adam Rozenhart has one of the most recognizable faces in Edmonton and the Twittersphere. Though he’s had his “Cmdr. William T. Riker” beard since his late teens, he did shave it off briefly for Movember 2010. “I was utterly inconsolable.” Why? His beard says to people, “‘He’s got this under control.’”
Thomas Fath’s “reasonably full beard” doesn’t get touched unless at the hands of a barber with trimmers. Since the 62-year-old owner of FC Edmonton and O’Hanlon Paving was 19 he’s known that a beard is good business. Only once did it disappear in order to sell his Mountie costume for Halloween. “No one recognized me.”
