The Big Event
The Big Event was created to give back to the cities surrounding Texas A&M University by engaging in service projects all around the community. It has continued to grow over the years and now includes thousands of student volunteers.
Thousands of student volunteers gather for an inspirational kickoff ceremony for The Big Event before they head to their respective service locations.
Credit: Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & CommunicationsThe Big Event is one of the best examples of Texas A&M's core value of selfless service. It is also the largest one-day student-run service project in the nation.
The Big Event began in 1982 when six Aggies — led by founder Joe Nussbaum — volunteered to clean up a local cemetery. Since that time, the event has continued to grow. Every spring, Aggie students show their appreciation to the surrounding community by completing service projects such as yard work, window washing and painting.
The event has now spread to over 100 additional universities across the nation as other schools show the same gratitude toward their own communities. And in 2014, Aggies studying abroad put together the first international Big Event, completing projects in Spain, Italy and Germany.
The Big Event celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, and is still going strong today. And after all these years, the message and mission remain the same — to say "Thank you" to the Bryan-College Station community for the support and generosity it has given to the university.
Learn more about The Big EventMore Texas A&M Traditions
Explore more of the traditions that unite our current and former students, build camaraderie and foster the Aggie Spirit.
