Centenary students prepare for annual Big Event service day
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary students, faculty, and staff will come together on Saturday, March 17 to participate in the College’s 11th annual BIG Event. BIG Event is a nationwide student-led day of service that originated at Texas A&M University and has a presence on dozens of college campuses, including Centenary.
“The Big Event provides an extraordinary opportunity for Centenary College to connect with our neighbors and express gratitude to the community that has supported the College for many years,” says Kaylan Walker, director of community engagement at Centenary. “This annual day of service also continues Centenary’s rich tradition of developing student leaders that have a passion for serving others.”
BIG Event is led by a student Executive Board and focuses on identifying projects that can strengthen connections between Centenary and its neighbors in Shreveport’s Highland area. This year, Centenary volunteers will assist Highland residents at their homes with basic home improvement and landscaping services such as planting, removing trash and other debris, raking leaves, and removing vines. Volunteers will also complete projects at community work sites such as Woody’s Veteran Home, Community Renewal International’s Highland Friendship House, Highland Park, Columbia Park, and the Red River Coalition’s Highland Community Garden.
“My favorite part of Big Event is getting a chance to work with my peers,” says senior Ramanda James, director of the Big Event. “Each year I meet new people and learn why serving is so important to them.”
BIG Event 11 kicks off at 10:00 a.m. March 17 in Centenary’s Fitness Center, when Shreveport City Councilman Jeff Everson, who represents the Highland neighborhood, will address the volunteers and highlight the importance of community-building activities like the BIG Event.
“I believe volunteering at this event brings hope to those who would otherwise not have very much,” says senior Shatavia Fullwood, assistant director of the Big Event. “So many people are stressed or worried about whatever is going on in their life, but we can help ease some of that burden and let them know they’re not along though something as simple as painting their house, doing yardwork, or helping them sort and organize.”
Participation in BIG Event is open to the entire community. Groups and individuals interested in volunteering can register online at centenary.edu/bigevent. Registered volunteers should report to Centenary’s Kilpatrick Auditorium beginning at 9:00 a.m. on March 17 to check in and receive a volunteer assignment. Transportation is available to work sites for Centenary students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
For more information about BIG Event 11, contact Kaylan Walker at kwalker@centenary.edu.