Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

1/25/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Wes Breeden could be in for the ride of his life this summer. Breeden, a junior business administration major at Northwestern State University, was one of 60 members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity chosen to take part in the annual Journey of Hope.

The Journey of Hope is one of several programs making up Pi Kappa Phi's Push America, the fraternity's national outreach project. The Journey of Hope is a 3,700-mile bicycle journey from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. During the trip, the members will participate in activities and events promoting a greater understanding of people with disabilities.

"This should be an amazing experience for me. I'll get to see the country mile for mile in a way few people can," said Breeden, who is from Pride. "I've been riding for years and am training every day to get ready."

Breeden said the trek is scheduled to begin June 6 and finish Aug. 11. Half of the participants will take a northern trek through the Rockies, the northern plains and the Midwest. Another group will go through the South and will go through Shreveport.

"We'll average about 70 miles a day. Some days we'll cover as few as 60 miles and others we'll go up to 125 miles," said Breeden. "The plan is to start about 6 a.m. and finish by 4 p.m."

After their riding is done, the members will do various community service projects and will spend the night in local churches, fraternity houses or community centers.

"I look forward to getting to meet a lot of people and do work that helps others," said Breeden, who is a former president and is now warden of the Pi Kappa Phi chapter at NSU. "We will stay busy throughout the trek."

Last year, the Journey of Hope raised $350,000 for Pi Kappa Phi's charitable activities

Breeden is raising money to help defray his expenses. To get more information on making a contribution, call (318) 357-6511.

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