The Big Event is the largest community service project at Wilkes University. Every year, around 400 students from all majors sign up to volunteer at one of the Big Event work sites in the community, promoting unity between the campus and the community.

April 30 marks Wilkes’ fifth year in particpating in the service day. Students, faculty, staff and alumni will work in teams to complete service projects as a way to say “thank you” to the community for supporting Wilkes students.

Past work sites include places like Hillside Farms, Blue Chip, the Riverfront and CEO Foodbank where participants partake in raking yards, painting fences and grooming gardens.

The Big Event was started by Joe Nussbaum, the Vice President of Student Government Association at Texas A&M, in 1982 as a way to give back to the surrounding community.

It began as a one-day service project where the students could show their appreciation of local residents by completing services to their homes.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to register. Registration includes breakfast and lunch on the day of the event, as well as a free t-shirt and drawstring bag. Register individually or with a group.

Individuals or groups who are interested in registering are asked to sign up on the Wilkes’ online registration page at www.wilkes.edu/BigEvent. Questions may be directed to Katelyn Jimison at katelyn.jimison.wilkes.edu.