Shuffler of the Year moments
All Concordia Shuffle donations directly fund student scholarships and bursaries — yet the university’s 6.5-km walkathon, from Loyola Campus to Sir George Williams Campus, also rewards its participants.
Not only will participants at Shuffle 26 — Friday, September 18 — have a chance to win dozens of prizes, including round-trip flights, donated by generous corporate sponsors, one outstanding Concordian will be named Shuffler of the Year.
Shuffle Committee chair Jang Kwon, a manager in Instructional and Information Technology Services, will announce the Shuffler of the Year at the President’s Picnic, immediately following the walk. He’ll also applaud the top three online fundraisers and the top three teams who collectively fundraise the most online.
“The Shuffler of the Year is someone who has made an exemplary contribution at the Shuffle, whether it be through organizing, fundraising or promoting,” says Kwon, a Shuffler since 1993 and Shuffle chair for the past four years.
Last year’s Shuffler of the Year, Danielle Tessier, remembers where she was when she caught the news.
“I was finishing lunch when I heard my name called over the microphone. It took a few seconds to register, and I stayed glued to the bench,” says Tessier. “My friends were advised beforehand that I was the winner so they could make sure I wouldn’t wander off!”
As director, Board and Senate Administration, Tessier displays her Shuffler of the Year certificate in her Guy Metro Building office.
“I collaborate with diverse members of the Concordia community in my line of work,” she says. “We all share the common goal of bettering the university. The Shuffle is an entire day dedicated to that.”
In 2011, Irvin Dudeck, then director of Budget Planning and Control, was named Shuffler of the Year.
“As soon as Jang said the first two letters in my name, nobody waited for him to finish. Cheering along with 300 others who instantly recognized my name brought tears to my eyes,” recalls Dudeck, now retired. He also served on the Shuffle Committee during his 40-year career at Concordia.
Shuffle Committee chair Jang Kwon and last year’s Shuffler of the Year, Danielle Tessier.
Irvin Dudeck receives his 2011 Shuffler of the Year Award from Jang Kwon.
- Do you know someone who deserves the Shuffler of the Year Award? Email your nomination and a short description of why they should win to: shuffle@concordia.ca.
- Register, sponsor and connect with other Shufflers on the Shuffle website: www.concordiashuffle.ca
The Shuffler of the Year prize is customized for each winner. Dudeck received a frame of thank-you messages from all Shuffle chairs, past and present.
The Shuffler of the Year Award evolved from the Shuffle Spirit Award, an honorary plaque presented to a department. Its inaugural recipient in 1999 was the Physical Resources Department (now Facilities Management). After the plaque’s spaces filled up with winners’ names, the award became the Shuffler of the Year distinction, usually given to one person.
Lise Tavares is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Shuffle Spirit Award win. Now retired, she worked in Information Services during her 31-year Concordia career.
Tavares always helped out however she could — including at the moment she was named Shuffler of the Year.
“I ran the water truck and when my name was announced I was still somewhere along the route handing out water,” says Tavares.
“I kept getting phone calls asking me to come to the ceremony, and I didn’t know why until I reached the field and got pulled on stage! I was touched to be honoured, because I just did what I could for fun.”
Preparations for Shuffle 26 are in full swing, for both Shufflers and organizers.
Tessier has extra motivation for Shuffle 26: “In mid-August I start getting in touch with old sponsors and establishing new ones. Last year I raised my record amount, $5,000. This year my starting goal is $4,000, but it can be adjusted upwards!”
#CUgiving #CUshuffle