2012 Cycling for Sharon will Honor the late Joe Sampite'

Members of Pi Kappa Phi and Tri Sigma are coordinating this year’s Cycling for Sharon event to include honoring the memory of Joe Sampité, center, pictured here at last year’s fundraiser.  The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 27 as part of Northwestern State University Homecoming events.


Two Northwestern State University Greek organizations will honor the memory of deceased alumni by completing an annual cycling trek across Natchitoches Parish during this year’s Homecoming events.  Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority will ride in memory of the late Sharon Sampité and the late Joe Sampité to raise funds for the Sharon Sampité, John and Allison Van Hoof Educational Scholarship administered through the NSU Foundation and the Sampité Family Baseball Scholarship administered through the NSU Athletic Association. Participants will complete the annual service project Saturday, Oct. 27 with a 9:30 a.m. ceremony at the Alumni Plaza.  The public is invited to attend.
 
Sharon Sampité (1961-2009) graduated from Northwestern State in 1985 and 1986 was an alumna of Sigma Sigma Sigma.  During her life, she inspired many with her dedication to service, pride in the city of Natchitoches and her love of her alma mater.  Following her diagnosis with cancer in 2006, she was instrumental in organizing area cancer outreach and support groups to mentor other cancer patients.
 
After Sharon’s death in 2009, members of Tri Sigma and Pi Kappa Phi approached her father, Joe Sampité (1931-2012), a 1959 graduate of Northwestern and alumnus of Pi Kappa Phi, about coordinating a bicycle trek in Sharon’s memory.  Joe Sampité, who served as mayor of Natchitoches for 20 years, was known throughout the state for his white socks, “I Love Natchitoches” stickers and service to his church, community and Northwestern State.
 
Cyclists will ride over 22 miles following a course south on Keyser Avenue to Natchez and back to Natchitoches via Hwy. 1, where they will stop for a brief rest at the Pi Kappa Phi House on University Parkway, then proceed to the Pi Kappa Phi Clock in the Alumni Plaza for the ceremony. Volunteers interested in assisting the crew following the cyclists are welcome.
 
For more information or to make a contribution, visit pikappnsu.org/aboutus/service/cyclingforsharon or e-mail pikappbo1956@yahoo.com.  There is also a Facebook page dedicated to Cycling for Sharon where individuals can RSVP for the event. That page is facebook.com/events/379378008801547.