NSU Pi Kappa Phi members training for cross-country cycling trek dedicated to disability awareness

Few people can say that they’ve successfully traveled from coast-to-coast, even fewer on a set of two thin wheels; less still for a cause far greater than themselves.

By the end of the summer, three members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University will have completed the Journey of Hope, a 4,000 mile cycling trek from the west coast to Washington, D.C. that aims to raise awareness and funds for programs that support people with disabilities.

Mitchell Mayfield, a senior from Denham Springs, Owen Stutzman, a sophomore from Gonzales, and Tyler Dupuis, a sophomore from Shreveport, are among the 50 Pi Kappa Phi members from around the country selected for this year’s two teams.

The Journey of Hope is an annual project of The Ability Experience, the exclusive philanthropy of Pi
Kappa Phi Fraternity. Founded in 1977, it has the purpose of instilling lifelong service in its fraternity members and serving people with disabilities.

After riding an average of 75 miles a day, the teams are dancing, playing games, or leading campfire songs at a friendship visit with a local group that supports people with disabilities. For many partner organizations, the team’s arrival each year is something anticipated like a holiday.

Stutzman says the Journey of Hope naturally aligns with his personal values.

“I’ve always been passionate about servant leadership. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at local events supporting people with disabilities, and those experiences have stuck with me. I see the Journey of Hope as a way to deepen that connection, grow as a leader, and bring back valuable experiences to share with others in my chapter and community.”

Journey of Hope is a unique program that also has the ability to draw the attention of local media in markets across the county. This platform helps spread a message of awareness and inclusion everywhere they go and help showcase partner organizations to broader audiences then they could on their own.

The Journey of Hope teams provide additional support to dozens of organizations through grants each year. Through team member fundraising and corporate sponsorships, the event raises more than $600,000. The Ability Experience rewards partner organizations with grants, both memorial and route specific, to provide direct support to the people they serve.

Mayfield and Dupuis have set fundraising goals of $7,500, while Stutzman looks to raise $8,000. Those interested in making a tax deductible donation can visit their secure giving pages online.

The trip presents many challenges that test participants’ strength, endurance and will, but it also provides endless opportunities to see some of the most incredible landmarks this country has to offer. However, at the heart of it all, is the opportunity to deliver joy to friends from the disability community.

Mayfield wants his participation in the Journey of Hope to inspire others in his chapter to get more involved with the Ability Experience and projects that serve people with disabilities.

“I hope to gain new perspectives on people’s lives and be a positive role model for others. I want to do something good with my life, and I feel that the Journey of Hope is a great way of accomplishing just that.”

The trio are currently participating in strength and endurance training to prepare for cycling 75 to 100 miles each day.

15 other members of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at NSU have completed the Journey of Hope since 2000.