Virginia Tech Fraternity Members Participate in a Journey of Hope

BLACKSBURG, VA, Jul. 25, 2006—This summer, four members of the Delta Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Virginia Tech are cycling across America to raise awareness for people with disabilities.

The Journey of Hope is an annual event, during which fraternity members from Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country cycle thousands of miles across more than 30 states. Nationally, through their non-profit organization, Push America, members of Pi Kappa Phi raise over half a million dollars each year to provide grants that support those with disabilities.

The four members from Virginia Tech each raised well over $5,000 in order to participate in the journey. The Virginia Tech cyclists are divided between two teams traveling across the country; two cyclists are following the Trans America route and two are on the Northern Route.

Matt Widders, a senior in material science and engineering from Dublin, Ohio, and John Caldwell, a sophomore in electrical engineering from Highlands Ranch, Colo., began their Trans America journey in Portland, Or. on May 31. On the Northern Route, Randy Morgan, a 2006 graduate in industrial and systems engineering from Newport News, Va., and Scott Campbell, a sophomore architecture and Spanish major from Portsmouth, Va., began their adventure in San Francisco, Ca. on June 7. Both of the teams will complete the ride together at the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on August 12.

Rather than spend their summers on the beach, participants embarked on a mission both grueling and rewarding that will lead them to cycle an average of 75 miles each day through all varieties and extremes of weather and terrain. Their journey does not end there, however. The men will also be involved in activities and events across the country supporting people with disabilities and promoting awareness, understanding and acceptance.

On August 5, the team on the Trans America route will pass through Blacksburg en route to Washington, D.C. and the conclusion of their journey. The Push America Team will be recognized on the main stage at 4:45 p.m. during Steppin’ Out in downtown Blacksburg on Saturday, August 5. The Virginia Tech and Blacksburg communities are encouraged to show their support to these dedicated young men. By the time the cyclists on the Trans America route arrive in Blacksburg, they will be on day 67 of their journey and will have traveled 3,243 miles.

“It is wonderful to see members of our Greek community so actively involved in serving others,” said Edward Spencer, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “It is my hope that the Blacksburg community will be there to greet these young men and applaud their significant accomplishments.”

The mission of Push America is “Building leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today.” Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity gain hands-on experience working with all varieties of people and seek to enhance the lives of those with disabilities. The young men on this trip are gaining experiences that will last them a lifetime. Along the way, the cyclists chronicle their journey with daily entries posted on the Pi Kappa Phi Push America website at www.pushamerica.org.

 

 

E-mail this link to a friend

Back to News Releases