In the know.

Big is a common adjective associated with Texas A&M. For example, the campus sprawls across 5,200 acres making it one of the biggest in the Nation and the student population is the size of a small Texas city with nearly 70,000 students enrolled. So, it is no big surprise that the University coordinates the largest one-day, student run service project in the United States, appropriately named, “The Big Event.” On this special workday, students are dispersed across Bryan-College Station to volunteer with a variety of non-profits, as well as complete projects for private citizens who are in need.

The idea was initially launched in 1982 with the impact of the effort growing to serve over 1.1 million people over the course of the 42 years. According to their website, this year’s event brought out 14,983 student volunteers and served 1,932 residents of Bryan-College Station. Each year, the group of student participants hope this effort sends the residents of the area one clear message, thank you. The statement that unifies the group and keeps the students coming back each year is a simple one, “Through service-oriented activities, “The Big Event promotes campus and community unity as students come together for one day to express their gratitude for the support from the surrounding community.”  

This year, The Langford in College Station was fortunate to be selected as a service project site. A small group of students were selected to work at The Langford with special projects to complete in the newly renovated courtyard garden. The residents and staff were all too eager to welcome the team of novice gardeners while some more experienced resident gardeners    couldn’t resist getting their hands dirty too. Together the team of workers mulched and tended to the courtyard, leaving an even more pristine space to enjoy.

“The Big Event is such a unique experience that really is the Spirit of Aggieland. We are so thankful for the great group of students who volunteered their time working with our residents on the courtyard garden,” shared Stacey Nehring, Executive Director and Texas A&M alum.  

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