‘I feel it’s important to pay it forward’

Concordia Shuffle awards allow recipients to advance their education outside the classroom

September 16, 2013

By Joel Barde

September is Shuffle time — a fall milestone that unites the university’s two campuses as Concordians raise funds for student financial aid and awards.

Hundreds of faculty, staff and students collect pledges — last year adding up to more than $56,000 — and walk the 6.5-km route from the Sir George Williams Campus to the Loyola Campus.

For grateful Shuffle scholarship and bursary recipients, the money is a blessing often used to further their studies in interesting, imaginative ways.

Shuffle scholarship recipient Stephanie Brassard | Courtesy: Stephanie Brassard

“Because of what Concordia did for me, I was able to volunteer during the summer,” says Adam Abouaccar, winner of a Shuffle 2012 scholarship.

Abouaccar studies film production at Concordia’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and spent much of last summer interning at Robert Film Services (RFS), a provider of film and video projectors and equipment.

“It really gave me an advantage when the time came to use the equipment at school. It was super essential.”

Yet Abouaccar’s Shuffle scholarship resulted in more than valuable experience. He is now employed at RFS. And he sees his position as a stepping stone to a career in film restoration — one of his goals.

“Having the financial burden of paying for school lifted was a huge, huge help. It was one less thing to worry about and allowed me to pursue other opportunities,” says Abouaccar, opportunities such as volunteering for the Fantasia Film Festival.

A voice major in the Department of Music, Stephanie Brassard used her scholarship to purchase extra lessons and hire a pianist to work with.

“The scholarship helped me become a better singer. I feel it’s given me an advantage in the area of performance,” says Brassard.

Brassard says she wants to give back to Concordia — once she establishes herself as a concert singer. “I plan to come back to Concordia as an alumna to give performances,” she says.

Such stories resonate with Caroline Clayton, a member of the Shuffle Advisory Committee. The committee works with Advancement and Alumni Relations to organize the Shuffle.

Clayton, a budget assistant with Concordia’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, has first-hand knowledge of the impact of winning a financial award. She won a scholarship as a student.

“I really appreciated the award. Both in terms of what it meant and the financial assistance. I feel it’s important to pay it forward,” says Clayton.

Since its inception in 1990, the Shuffle has raised over $1 million for Concordia students.

Shuffe 24 kicks off at 1 p.m. on September 27, 2013.

Walk the walk: Register today and start collecting pledges or sponsor a Shuffler.

News

News

‘I feel it’s important to pay it forward’

‘I feel it’s important to pay it forward’

Related Topics