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Three students reflect on life-changing impact of the Shuffle

The Concordia Shuffle has raised nearly $1.9 million for students since 1990
August 24, 2021
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By Delanie Khan-Dobson, MA 21


Shuffle 2021

The Concordia Shuffle is the university’s annual walkathon where staff, faculty, retirees, students and alumni raise funds for bursaries, scholarships, student programs and services.

Last year, hundreds of Concordians participated in our first-ever virtual Shuffle and raised an impressive $141,000, bringing the event's total to nearly $1.9 million since 1990.

This year, due to current public health regulations and guidelines, Shuffle 32 is taking place virtually, capping off with an online closing ceremony on September 24. Instead of the traditional 6.5 km walk between Concordia’s two campuses, participants can walk where they want, when they want. Shufflers are encouraged to set personal or team fitness goals and to share their progress and photos on social media using the hashtag #CUshuffle.

The aim of the Shuffle is to provide deserving students with the resources and tools they need to achieve success. While many shufflers are staff, retirees, faculty and alumni, student participation is key and helps drive the event’s momentum.

Meet three students who have experienced the benefits of the Shuffle first-hand and learn why they believe student involvement is essential. 

Anabelle Caso, wearing a black sweater Anabelle Caso, BA 20, MA 23

Anabelle Caso, BA 20, recipient of a 2020 Concordia University Adopt-A-Student Graduate Award

Having just completed her BA in the linguistics honours program at Concordia, Anabelle Caso is immensely grateful to be a recipient of a Shuffle-funded graduate award.

“Without the generosity and commitment of everyone who donates and participates in the Shuffle, this award would not be possible. This award will make an enormous difference in my ability to attend and enjoy the upcoming semester as I enter my graduate studies, allowing me to focus on and succeed in my program,” says Caso.

The cost of higher education can be a barrier for many students and financial assistance is one of the few ways students can bridge that barrier.

“The Shuffle effectively facilitates a student’s ability to remain in school and succeed by alleviating the financial burden of tuition — this is amazing and the Shuffle is therefore a crucial and life-altering project,” says Caso.

Bianca Mckenzie-Medford Bianca Mckenzie-Medford, undergraduate student in the Department of History.

Bianca Mckenzie-Medford, BPO Shuffle team member

After receiving a Shuffle-funded Black Perspectives Office (BPO) award last year, Bianca Mckenzie-Medford, currently completing a BA in history, was inspired to get involved as a fundraiser. She joined BPO’s Shuffle 32 team and is currently one of the team’s ambassadors.

“Being an award recipient, I understand the impact one student can have on another. As a visible minority, I know there is not much funding available directly geared to us. I thought it was crucial for me to give back and pay it forward, to ensure that others could benefit from the same scholarship and have the BPO positively influence their lives,” says Mckenzie-Medford.

Camina Harrison-Chéry Camina Harrison-Chéry, undergraduate student in the Department of Communication Studies.

Camina Harrison-Chéry, CSU Shuffle team member

Communications student Camina Harrison-Chéry is the BIPOC committee chair and external affairs and mobilisation coordinator for the Concordia Student Union (CSU). This year, she is leading the CSU Shuffle team that joined forces with CU at the Top to raise funds for the Otsenhàkta Student Centre — a critical hub where Indigenous students can find support, resources and community. 

“As a student union, the CSU’s mandate is to advocate for and support our students. To achieve this, we must empower and invest in the lives of students who disproportionately face barriers to completing their studies. The Shuffle is one of our many commitments this year to support Indigenous students to excel and flourish at Concordia. We can't think of a better way to support our Indigenous students than directly through a fund that is administered by and for Indigenous peoples."

Participating in the Shuffle as a student can enrich their university experience while supporting fellow students who might not have the same opportunities as themselves.

“A huge aspect of participating in the Shuffle as a student is being part of something bigger than yourself. One the most impactful and meaningful experiences students can have is getting involved in projects outside the classroom. Getting involved in this fundraiser is a great way for students to meet other likeminded individuals, make connections and contribute to the well-being of other students,” says Harrison-Chéry.

Want to join the Shuffle, but unsure where to start? Here’s how to get involved:

  • If you haven’t already, register today and join the collective efforts of Concordians who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives or students and providing them with the opportunity to succeed.
  • Create or join a team to raise funds for an award or Concordia program that is meaningful to you
  • Start fundraising!

All gifts to the Shuffle count towards the Campaign for Concordia, which supports the university’s nine strategic directions and ensures a bright future for both our students and our university. 

If you have questions or inquiries, please email shuffle@concordia.ca.



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