Driven to Shuffle: Concordians share why they walk for students

‘The Shuffle is a way to let them know we care, and it helps build strong community relationships’

August 21, 2025

By Sandra Evoughlian

Ria Rombough wears a green Shuffle T-shirts and poses at the end of Shuffle 33.

Ria Rombough, centre with sign, celebrates the finish line at the 33rd Shuffle.

Every September, Concordians lace up their sneakers for a cause close to home — the Concordia Shuffle.

The 6.5-kilometre walk from Sir George Williams Campus to Loyola Campus is more than just a university tradition. Since 1990, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $3.1 million for scholarships, bursaries and services — supporting generations of students, one step at a time.

This year’s Shuffle takes place on Friday, September 26, and will be emceed by alumna Meghan Kelly, BA 17, GrDip 18, host of The Beat of Your Workday and MTL’s Perfect Mix on The Beat 92.5.

At the finish line, participants will gather for the 50th-anniversary community celebration, in honour of the university’s milestone year. They can also enjoy the first-ever Shuffle maker’s market featuring student and alumni vendors.

Need some inspiration? Hear from four dedicated Concordians on what motivates them to Shuffle year after year.

Ria Rombough

Department administrator, Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Faculty of Fine Arts

Ria Rombough is captain of the Reel Shufflers, a team dedicated to amplifying the generosity of community members. They have raised funds for various causes, including the NouLa Black Student Centre and the Sustainability Champion Awards. For the past two years, the team’s efforts have supported awards in memory of students who passed away during their studies.

“We were inspired by their families’ ongoing commitment to the success of the next generation of filmmakers,” says Rombough. “By walking, we hope our students see and feel that we really believe in them and their dreams.”

She was struck by the walkathon when she first joined Concordia. “I had never seen such a big initiative by university employees to raise funds for students. Fundraising helps us to reflect on the challenges our students face and how deserving they are of support,” adds Rombough.

This year, they will Shuffle in honour of Valery Mihalkov, a part-time faculty member who suddenly passed away last spring. Proceeds will go to the Emru Townsend Award for Animation, which Mihalkov contributed to annually.

Christabell Moyo, BA 19

Administrative assistant, MBA and Graduate Programs in Business Administration, John Molson School of Business

Christabell Moyo

Christabell Moyo has participated in the Shuffle for several years to raise funds for a cause close to her heart. A former foster parent, Moyo supports the Youth in Care Bursary, which helps students who grew up in foster care or the child welfare system.

“Young adults leaving the foster care system can fall through the cracks,” says Moyo. “Yet they are strong and resilient. I’m passionate about helping others, especially those who face adversity or are struggling to focus on their studies due to financial difficulties.

“The Shuffle is a way to let them know we care, and it helps build strong community relationships.”

Mahesh C. Sharma

Professor, Supply Chain and Business Technology Management, John Molson School of Business

Buzz, the Concordia Stingers bee mascot, stands next to Mahesh Sharma outside.

Mahesh Sharma and Buzz at Shuffle 30 in 2019.

Recently named to the Order of Canada, Mahesh Sharma has participated in every Shuffle since its inception — 36 years and counting. This year, he joins the John Molson School of Business Rock Stars, raising funds for the John Molson School of Business Shuffle Bursary.

A long-time faculty member and dedicated donor, Sharma sees the Shuffle as one of the many ways he supports the next generation. He previously established the Sandhya and Swati Sharma Memorial Scholarship and has included Concordia in his planned giving.

“I’m a firm believer that we have to help our students, and the Shuffle is one of the projects that allows us to do that,” he says.

“The cost of living for students today is too high. We have to support them. They are the future of our country, and every contribution makes a difference.”

Lisa Montesano

Undergraduate program assistant, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science

Lisa Montesano

For Lisa Montesano, the Shuffle is an opportunity to champion students beyond her role in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. As captain of Team Chem/Biochem, she helped raise more than $2,000 last year.

“I see first-hand the challenges students face,” she says. “They work so hard to get an education, and it’s important that we help them however we can.”

Montesano also values the camaraderie the Shuffle fosters. “Over the past 10 years, I’ve met so many wonderful people through this event. It’s a fun environment where everyone is united in support of the same cause.”

Join us!

You can register as an individual, team member or team captain.

If you’re unable to participate, you can still give back by sponsoring a Shuffler.

Learn more at the Concordia Shuffle website.

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