The Big Event has returned this past April, and Cortland students came together once again to be a part of a campus-wide effort to give back to the Cortland community.
The Big Event is one of SUNY Cortland’s largest annual days of service. Including students from greek life to club sports who have volunteered their time and services to be apart of something bigger then themselves
The event is organized and led by SUNY Cortland Student Government Association (SGA). The initiative is to strengthen the relationship between the college students and the neighboring communities. The event was held on Sunday April 19th.
Originating in 2015, the event has grown into a schoolwide meaningful tradition, it unfortunately had to take a pause during covid years to maintain public health safety but regained traction in 2023.
On the day of the event, student volunteers assembled at Park centers “Alumni area” for a kickoff celebration and speech. Since the event was held in the morning, volunteers were welcomed with a variety of muffins,coffee, fruit, and water. Shortly after you check in you get your assigned street or house. Students are then released to head over to their job sites. Where they will spend time completing outdoor tasks, whether it may be raking leaves or to assist local homeowners with yard work.
This event not only benefits the community but also provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on service and develop a stronger sense of civic responsibility. By stepping outside of campus life and engaging directly with community residents, students gain a better understanding of others potential hardships and realize their role within a broader community. It’s a very heartwarming experience for everyone to be working together toward a shared goal. The organizers emphasize that the event is about more than just completing tasks, it is also about showing appreciation to the community that supports SUNY Cortland students throughout the year.
It’s also an opportunity to meet new students within different organizations and form bonds and relationships, almost as if it’s a team building exercise. Community members are always encouraged to sign up if they are in need of assistance with outdoor projects. For the requirements, the job sites must be located within a mile of campus, and any requests can be submitted through an online form or by contacting the Student Government Association directly by email. While basic tools will be provided such as rakes and shovels, residents may also need to supply materials for the more specific tasks.
This experience encourages continued participation and raise awareness about this event. It also shows recognition that volunteer work comes in many forms big and small, such as donating any food and clothes instead of throwing it out for those in need.
The Big Event will continue to highlight the power of collective action. The day serves as a constant reminder of what can be accomplished in a short amount of time when a campus community comes together with a shared purpose.If your interested to participate, please refer to sga@cortland.edu