Students raise $18K for The Ability Experience

Three members of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) chapter of Pi Kappa Phi raised more than $18,000 for The Ability Experience this summer. Started in 1977 by the fraternity, The Ability Experience operates by "empowering people with disabilities and reshaping the way society views disabilities."

Through the effort, Mitchell Canupp, Collin Pucko and Landon Rozier took part in a 560-mile cycling journey across the state of New York, making stops at some of the organizations benefiting from the ride.

Rozier said the highlights of the long days of cycling in New York were the "friendship visits" with nonprofits.

"The people there are the brightest souls I've met," said Rozier, a junior from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing degrees in physics and engineering. "It was great to spend time with them and see how they live their lives so joyfully."

Canupp, a junior from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting, also thrived on the friendship visits. Physically, he and his fraternity brothers felt empty, but that didn't matter when they saw the kids at these sites.

"At that point, nothing really mattered other than making people's day," Canupp said.

Pucko, a sophomore from Covington, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, feels a strong connection to The Ability Experience because of his mother's career as a special education student aide and his time volunteering in a similar capacity while in high school. He was excited to cycle alongside some New Yorkers.

"We were able to make a difference in their hometowns," Pucko said. "It was very humbling and enjoyable."

Events like The Ability Experience are a major reason Rozier is thankful to be part of Pi Kappa Phi.

"Being a brother means you're more than a number. It gives you so many opportunities to give back and be part of a community that's larger than yourself," Rozier said. "Joining a fraternity is one of the best things I've ever done."

Michael Steele, UNG director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said the students did a great job of representing UNG and their fraternity.

"At their best, fraternities challenge students to look beyond themselves and recognize the impact they can have on others," Steele said. "Mitchell, Collin and Landon didn't just raise money or complete an incredible physical challenge. They built relationships, served others and experienced the true purpose of a fraternity."

Pucko and Rozier also took part in the weeklong Ability Camp Honduras in Comayagua, Honduras, in May.

UNG's Delta Beta chapter of Phi Kappa Phi was founded May 22, 1971.