Photos and video capture UC's leader giving up his hair for The Dragonfly Foundation

by John Bach

University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono made good on a promise to shave his head if the Bearcats mens' basketball team won their first 10 games this season.

Ono delivered on that promise at midcourt of Fifth Third Arena following the Jan. 7, 2013, game versus Notre Dame. Thousands hung around to watch Ono, along with student body president Lane Hart, get their hair buzzed off. The event was emceed by Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame announcer Marty Brennaman, who started the trend by getting his locks lopped off after the Reds won 10 straight.

More important, all the shavings were done to raise funds and awareness for The Dragonfly Foundation, an area charity that helps young patients who are diagnosed with cancer or a blood-based illness at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (along with their siblings and parents). Those who want to help can donate at the website or by texting "HERO" to 80100 to make a $5 donation.

One of those former patients is Matt Neitzke, son of Dragonfly founder Christine Neitzke. Matt, who is now in remission, made a last-minute decision to get his hair shaved, too.

According to Dragonfly, the event helped them raise more than $2,600 and connect with 20 additional volunteers.

Watch video of Ono's head being shaved

photos by Ashley Kempher/Creative Services

Cick any image below to enlarge

Santa Ono delivers on promise to shave head after Bearcats' 10-0 start

University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono and student body president Lane Hart made good on a promise to shave their heads if the Bearcats mens' basketball team won their first 10 games this season. They delivered on that promise at midcourt of Fifth Third Arena following the Jan. 7, 2013, game versus Notre Dame. The event, emceed by Marty Brennaman, was designed to raise funds and awareness for The Dragonfly Foundation, an area charity that helps patients at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center who have been diagnosed with cancer or a blood-based disease.

Video by Lisa Ventre and Ashley Kempher/UC Creative Services

View slideshow of photos

News coverage of the event