The Big Event

For 27 years students of Texas A&M University have united to give thanks to their community. Titled "The Big Event", the student-run service project is said to be the
largest one-day development in the nation. Texas A&M International University has joined The Big Event bandwagon for the second year in hopes of making it a local tradition.

"The tremendous effort we put in [last year] only inspired us to significantly expand our Big Event project in hopes of growing as big as the Big Event held in TAMU College
Station where nearly 13,000 individuals helped clean up their city on March 27," said Student Government Association president, Christine Cortez.

Meanwhile, on March 27 over 15 TAMIU student organizations gathered near the pond adjacent to the University Village once more to clear out debris, paint benches, and
plant trees in hopes of transforming the space into an attractive recreational location.

The Big Event, organized by the SGA Environmental
Committee, also acts as the first of a two-part competition known as The Dusty
Cup. Many of the student organizations participating in The Big Event are vying for the coveted Dusty Cup and all bragging rights associated. With the heat blazing down, students pulled out trash, carried trees, and worked alongside their Dusty Cup competitors.
"It was tiring and we found the craziest things when we were cleaning out the pond.
People haven't just been just throwing out trash - we even found a touch screen working cell phone," said student volunteer, Homer Gonzalez.

"The Big Event brought in various achievements. We were able to unite the student body in completing one common task. We've assisted in creating an area where students can relax and enjoy the weather with their peers," continued Cortez, echoing Gonzalez's sentiments. "Cleaning up this area took a lot of work, but it's something many of us
can take pride in. Through this project we were able to expose one of the many hidden beauties our university has to offer." Many of the resources used for The Big Event were generously contributed.

While Lowes donated Pecan trees and significantly lowered their prices for gloves, paint, picnic tables and a barbecue pit, TAMIU Physical Plant donated peat moss and the cement for the barbecue pit.
For more information on The Big Event or future environment related events, call 326-2280 or visit offices in the Student Center, room 226.
 

(Stephanie Ibarra may bereached at stephie@dusty.
tamiu.edu)