Concordians will once again rally for Shuffle on Friday, September 25.
The annual 6.5-kilometre walkathon brings participants from Sir George Williams Campus to Loyola Campus in support of student success. Since 1990, Shuffle has raised more than $3.4 million for scholarships, bursaries, services and more. The past five Shuffles alone have raised nearly $1.6 million.
Lending helping paws to the cause are the canine companions who join participants on the journey. Their presence draws smiles along the way and helps inspire donations, with some even serving as team captains or mascots.
Meet four of this year's Shuffle and the humans who walk with them to champion Concordia students.
Nura and Bubbles
"Shuffle is such a fun and healthy way to reconnect with Concordia while supporting the students who will shape its future," says Nura Jabagi, MBA 14, PhD 21, president of the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA).
Jabagi has participated in the Shuffle every year since joining the CUAA board of directors in 2021. As a two-time Concordia graduate, she sees the event as an opportunity to give back to her alma mater.
"When I was a student, professors, alumni and other members of the university community Shuffled to support students like me," she says. "Now, Bubbles and I get to Shuffle for today's students and future generations of Concordians."
For Bubbles, the picnic at the finish line might be the biggest draw. "She also loves all the attention she receives along the way, and the Shuffle swag that lets her proudly sport the Concordia logo," says Jabagi.
"Come for the community, stay for the cause and if you're Bubbles, for the lunch!" she adds.
Anik and Charlot
Charlot (left) is the mascot for the entire eConcordia team.
When Anik de St-Hilaire joined Concordia in September 2015, the university was at the height of Shuffle preparation.
"That was my first encounter with the entire Concordia community," says de St-Hilaire, chief academic officer at eConcordia. "It warmed my heart to see all those walkers showing solidarity with students."
"I realized I had found my place in a family with whom I shared the same values," she says.
Since then, de St-Hilaire has taken part in every Shuffle.
However, it wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that she started bringing her dog, Charlot, along for the trek. In 2020 and 2021, Shuffle pivoted to a virtual fundraising event with self-directed walks, and Charlot made for great company amid social distancing measures.
"Now, Charlot is the mascot for the entire eConcordia team," says de St-Hilaire.
Ingrid and Pancho
For Ingrid Ulloa, director of capital and financing and deputy treasurer at the Office of the Treasurer, Shuffle is an opportunity to connect with colleagues and celebrate Concordia while helping students.
In her day-to-day work, Ulloa helps maintain the university's financial health, and Shuffle offers her another meaningful way to contribute to the university by enriching the student experience and building relationships.
Her little Yorkshire Terrier, Pancho, joins her every year. "He loves going because he gets to meet other dogs and people, walk with me and my colleagues while getting lots of attention and treats at the end of the walk during the barbecue," says Ulloa.
One of the highlights is gathering at the finish line to learn how much Shufflers have raised.
"Its wonderful to hear how much we raise each year when President Graham Carr announces the total and we celebrate together at the picnic," she says.
Sarah and Larry
"Students need as much help as they can get," says Sarah Sullivan, BA 14, career advisor at Career Services. "It's important that we work towards removing barriers so that students can focus on succeeding in their courses and getting the most out of university."
Every year, she says, she meets people from across the university and spends much of the walk talking with someone new.
This year, she will once again be joined by her four-legged friend Larry, a seasoned Shuffler, as she walks with the Student Success Centre (SSC) team.
Before joining her on the route, Larry took part in the walkathon with Sullivan's mother, Ann McLaughlin, a retired SSC coordinator and former captain of the SSC team.
"I think Shuffle is a great reminder that we're part of a larger community, and that we're all here to work together in support of our students."
Join us!
This year, the Shuffle kicks off at the EV atrium. Dogs must be leashed during the walk and barbecue. Only service animals are allowed inside buildings.
You can register as an individual, team member or team captain.
Alternatively, you can choose to sponsor a Shuffler.
Learn more at the Concordia Shuffle website.
