How BIG is the Big Event?

Several hundred Edinboro University students gathered on campus April 24 to participate in the largest one-day student-run service project in the nation: The Big Event.

The event, which began 27 years ago at Texas A & M University, brings students together to assist members of their community with projects such as yard work, painting and window washing.

This was Edinboro University's fourth year participating in the event, which was coordinated by the Student Government Association (SGA).

SGA began planning for the event several months ago.

"Planning for the event is pretty extensive.  It requires coordination of SGA with various departments within the university, as well as coordinating with the Borough of Edinboro.  It is truly a team effort with SGA, the university and Edinboro all working together," said SGA Director of Operations Mike Robel.

Such planning includes recruiting student volunteers, which SGA President Jamie Lutz says is easier after four years.

"I think each year we do it people start to know what the Big Event is. I think when we first started, people were like ‘The Big Event? What is that?' and now that we keep doing it continuously and keep doing it each year people are starting to get more involved because they recognize what it is and what we're doing," said Lutz.

According to Lutz, at least 200 volunteers signed up for the event this year, with more showing up throughout the day.

The event consisted of two three-hour shifts. Students worked in the morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Members of the ASL club signed up to participate for the third year in a row, and spent the afternoon washing windows and sweeping the streets downtown.

"It was hard work. The windows were really dirty. But it was fun," said ASL Club President Jamie Elser.

According to Robel, having fun is just one of the benefits of participating in the Big Event.

"The event brings students of different backgrounds and majors [together] to perform a common goal of giving back to the community.  I think friendships have been made at these events and it provides great outreach for our students as well as for the community," said Robel.

Lutz agrees that the Big Event is beneficial for both students and the community.

"My favorite part of the event is getting to hear the stories when students come back about the people they helped and hearing how . . . the community really appreciates what we're doing. That's the best part," said Lutz.

This year, students participating in the Big Event painted rooms in residents' homes, cleaned up several parks, helped residents in their gardens, painted and stained picnic tables for the community pool, and much more.