Cycling for Sharon

The members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority are keeping alive the spirit of service embodied by the late Sharon Sampité with an annual service project, culminating with a cycling trek across Natchitoches Parish.

Though cancer took Sharon’s life in 2009, it did not quiet her optimism, strength, and character. It is our wish to honor her legacy of civic pride and service by making an annual gift to Northwestern State University scholarships close to her heart.

Sharon Sampité, 1961-2009.

SHARON’S STORY
After a long and heroic battle with cancer, Sharon passed away on July 4, 2009. During her life she inspired many by her dedication to service, pride in her beautiful city, and love of her alma mater. While a student at NSU, Sharon was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and shared her talents with many other organizations and activities. She inherited a sense of civic pride and service from her father, longtime Natchitoches mayor Joe Sampité, as was apparent by her devotion to the community.

Following her diagnosis with cancer in 2006, Sharon was instrumental in organizing area cancer outreach and support groups to other cancer patients; providing them with encouragement, hope and compassion.

When it became painfully clear that her precious life would be cut short, Sharon’s optimism never waned. She comforted those around her and began to plan her own memorial service, one that was meant to inspire and enrich the lives of others.

Though her 48 years of life were sadly brief, her legacy will live on.

Each year, the Pi Kapps and Tri Sigmas embark on a cycling trek to raise money for scholarships in the Sampité family name.

SHARON’S LEGACY, OUR MISSION
Upon Sharon’s passing, members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority approached her father, an alumnus of Pi Kappa Phi, with the idea of a bicycle trek to honor her memory. The legendary 20-year mayor, known for his white socks and “I Love Natchitoches” stickers, was greatly moved by the project. Joe was instrumental in the planning of the first ‘Cycling for Sharon’ ride on October 24, 2009. Members of both organizations raised money for scholarships and presented the gift to the Sampité family at the NSU Alumni Plaza, where the memorial bicycle ride finishes each year. Joe remained involved in the project until his death in 2012.

All proceeds benefit:

  • Sharon Sampité, John & Allison Van Hoof Educational Scholarship through the NSU Foundation
  • Sampité Family Baseball Scholarship through the Demons Unlimited Foundation

HOW TO HELP
Each year, members of Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Sigma Sigma hold fundraisers for both scholarships. The next cycling event will take place on Sunday, March 6, 2016, and will feature a ceremony at the Northwestern State University Alumni Plaza. The public is invited to attend. For more information, email pikappNSU@gmail.com .

To contribute to the scholarships, contact:

The late Joe Sampité, Sharon’s father and Pi Kappa Phi alumnus, pictured with “Cycling for Sharon” participants.

Northwestern State University Office of Alumni and Development
535 University Parkway | Natchitoches, LA 71497
Phone (318) 357-4414 or Toll Free (888) 799-6486

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