Inspired by an event that originated at Texas A&M University in 1982 when six students felt the need to give something back to the communities of College Station and Bryan, Texas, the Big Event has become somewhat of a national phenomenon at a number of colleges and universities throughout the United States. more than 100 universities have joining the effort, since that time.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni from Texas A&M University-Texarkana will show their appreciation to the Texarkana community during The Big Event: Eagle Pride City Wide, a day of community service on April 8th.  

Participants in The Big Event will complete “done-in-a-day” community service projects, ranging from raking leaves, washing windows, removing debris, cleaning closets, spreading mulch, painting and minor repairs, to organizing donated goods, participating in games and activities with senior citizens, tutoring children and completing other proposed projects. 

“We saw a need to reformat the event [from prior student iServe projects] to a big, one-day event where we could unite the entire campus community, not just students,” said Stephenson. “We are excited about the various projects we have secured so far. We have confirmed projects with both sides of Texarkana that include Kidtopia Park, Believe in Beverly Community Garden, Harvest Food Bank, Arkansas Animal Shelter, Bobby Ferguson Park and more.”  

A&M-Texarkana is now accepting applications for work sites and sponsors for The Big Event.

For more information, contact Michael Stephenson, coordinator of Student Life, at [email protected] or (903) 223-1362.

For additional information, visit www.tamut.edu/bigevent.