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Full steam ahead for student aid  

Concordians march to Loyola in the 20th annual Shuffle

By Anna Sarkissian

The air was brisk but the sun was shining as hundreds of Concordians walked, jogged, and cycled 6.5 km during the 20th anniversary of the Shuffle and raised $52 000 — and counting.

Participants set off from the EV Building just after 1 p.m. on Sept. 25 and made their way to Loyola during the annual walk-a-thon to raise funds for scholarships and bursaries.

Up to 30 staff members from Human Resources were there in fine form, wearing colourful hats, purple hair extensions and beaded necklaces.

“Dressing up has become a tradition,” said Anna Michetti, Director of Employment and Organizational Effectiveness. “Our theme is Mardi Gras but as you can see, it’s a little disjointed.”

But their bandanas and Mickey Mouse ears couldn’t top third-year John Molson School of Business student Mitch Robitaille, who was recognized as the Most Flamboyant Shuffler because he donned a full clown suit, complete with curly blue hair and a red nose.

Robitaille took his fundraising a step further and pledged on Facebook to wear the suit for a full week if he raised at least $500. Turns out he raised $510.

“I’m not sure how the general university population is going to react… but it’s certainly going to be an interesting week,” he said.

Vice-President, Advancement and Alumni Relations Kathy Assayag applauded the shufflers for their efforts. “I want to thank you all for the part that you play in providing scholarships and bursaries for students.”

Before kicking off the barbecue under a white tent at Loyola, organizers drew the winners of larger prizes, such as tickets to New York courtesy of Norko Travel and a $500 gift certificate from Reebok Sainte-Catherine. More than 40 additional prize packs were announced later that afternoon. See the list of winners on the Shuffle site.

Recent retiree Huguette Albert, who has participated in the event for all of the past 20 years, received the award for Shuffler of the Year. “Despite her retirement, she made time to come back for the Shuffle,” said Professor Clement Lam, chair of the Shuffle Advisory Committee, as he presented her with a plaque and a custom t-shirt listing all the years she has walked.

After the meal, participants indulged in a double-layer cake to celebrate 20 years of shuffling.

The campus-to-campus walk has raised more than $850 000 since 1990. Last year, 700 Shufflers brought in more than $52 000.