This year’s Big Event saw hundreds of SUNY Cortland students who volunteered their time and services as part of a campus-wide effort to give back to the Cortland community.
The Peace Frogs were one of many sports clubs, varsity athletics, Greek life, and campus organizations who participated across 44 job sites, according to the SGA event coordinator, Eve Cisneros.
In partnership with the SUNY Cortland Town and Gown Ad Hoc Planning Committee— a group of university employees and local residents who seek to facilitate communication between the college and the community—Cisneros and the SGA cabinet coordinated The Big Event.
“We’re guests to the residents in the town of Cortland, so we need to be respectful,” said freshman member of the women’s rugby team, Elisabeth Lentini. “I know people in the community help clean up SUNY Cortland’s campus so why can’t we help the whole town?”
Cisneros said it’s important to host the event because it allows SUNY Cortland and the Cortland community to grow a strong sense of togetherness and community.
After watching her neighbors receive help from Cortland students, Liz Starr was curious to see what she had been missing. The Peace Frogs helped Starr mulch her yard, rake leaves, and move outdoor furniture.
“The rugby team is absolutely amazing,” said Starr. “They are selfless, they are hard workers, and it’s pretty amazing they’re giving up their Sunday morning to do this.”
This year marks Starr’s second time participating in The Big Event, and she looks forward to continuing to receive support in the future.
“I have already received many emails from the community expressing gratitude for the students’ work,” said Cisneros.
Junior rugby team captain Erin Anderson spent the morning pulling weeds and clearing old leaves on the edge of Starr’s property with her teammates.
“I think every sport team should do this,” said Anderson. “We’re working together on one single project, so it’s kind of like a team building exercise in a way.”
The team has participated in the Big Event for several years and they look forward to it each year.
“The Women’s Rugby team has always been such a great help,” said Cisneros. “Their dedication and hard work make them a group that can always be relied upon to show up.”
She said there have been many instances of job sites that have grown fond of groups that have previously done work at their location and reward them as a thank-you.
The rugby team gladly accepted food, water, and Gatorade from the residents.
Once the day is over, The Big Event continues to grow in recognition and impact. Cisneros said she likes to scroll through the social media posts that the involved groups make for The Big Event.
“To see the pictures and read their captions of gratitude and happiness post-event always makes me smile and shows the importance of this event for everyone,” said Cisneros.
Check updates from the Student Government Association on how to get involved. Early next spring semester, planning will begin for the 2026 Big Event.