700 Shufflers marched for student support

It was a step in the right direction — about 8,600 steps, according to a pedometer — as scores of Concordians Shuffled 6.5 kilometres to support student scholarships and bursaries.

Shuffle 24, Concordia’s intercampus walkathon, raised $55,000.

“This is an awesome day for our university,” Concordia President Alan Shepard told 700 Shufflers at the event’s wrap-up picnic at Loyola Campus.

The walk, organized by Advancement and Alumni Relations and volunteers, has raised more than $1 million towards student awards since its inception.

The eight-member Bergeron family, led by Serge Bergeron, associate vice-president, Academic Operations, were crowned 2013 Shufflers of the Year for their devotion to the annual fundraiser.

The clan took home gift cards and a certificate of recognition for their dedication while more than 50 other lucky Shufflers were treated to raffle prizes ranging from iPads to travel getaways.

The Bergerons weren’t the only exceptional Shufflers. Under his own steam, John Molson School of Business marketing professor Bryan Barbieri coaxed colleagues, friends and relatives to contribute to the walkathon.  

To the tune of $1,800. “The Shuffle’s close to my heart,” Barbieri said. “I asked a lot people I’d never asked before to support me and obviously they did very willingly.”