The Big Event – One big day. One big thanks. One big event.

My first Big Event at Virginia Tech remains one of my fondest memories as I wrap up my final semester here in Blacksburg. My freshman year was significantly and understandably impacted by the pandemic. All my classes were virtual, and opportunities for genuine connection were few and far between. It wasn’t unique to Virginia Tech — populations around the world felt the detrimental effects of isolation during lockdown. As a new student, it felt particularly difficult to find where I belonged on campus. I didn’t know what community looked like at Virginia Tech until the spring semester of my sophomore year.

On April 9, 2022, Virginia Tech had its first Big Event since the pandemic. I’d heard about it from students tabling outside Turner Place, and a friend a year above me had posted about it on social media. I knew very little about the mission of The Big Event, but I gathered a group of friends, created a team, and arrived at the Drillfield on the morning of. Surrounded by 6,263 other Hokies at the heart of our campus, I finally found the community I’d been missing. Several Virginia Tech traditions came together for The Big Event: “Enter Sandman” was played, Skipper the cannon was fired, and President Sands spoke about our motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) before we set out to serve our community in the New River Valley.

My team was assigned to rake leaves for Ms. Jan, and I’ll never forget her generosity and warmth toward us. She kindly gave us drinks and snacks and told us about her life in Blacksburg. She said she’d had wonderful groups of students come for The Big Event in years past, and that this year was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed the few hours we spent with Ms. Jan and left knowing that I wanted to become more involved in our local community. At the beginning of my junior year, I joined The Big Event’s public relations committee, so I’d be able to meet even more wonderful homeowners. At the end of my junior year, I took on my current role as a public relations executive. I’m certain that getting further involved in The Big Event is one of the best decisions I’ve made during my time at Virginia Tech.

Executives, committee members, and operations team members complete project checks almost every Saturday morning of the spring semester, leading up to The Big Event. By completing these checks, we get to know hundreds of incredible homeowners while making sure their projects are safe for volunteers to complete. Meeting homeowners during these project checks is my favorite part of my involvement in the organization.

New River Valley residents share so many spaces with us as students: grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, parks, and roads. The mission of The Big Event is to say “Thank you” to local homeowners for their hospitality. We complete projects such as raking, painting, and mulching regardless of financial need. These projects are opportunities for students to create meaningful connections with residents and thank them for their support.

We wouldn’t have the Blacksburg we love if not for the people who live here. Our neighbors make Blacksburg home. I’d encourage students to volunteer on April 6 and ask homeowners questions. Homeowners want to know you, too! It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and a great way to live our motto, Ut Prosim.

This year’s Big Event will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024! Students can now register to volunteer; email volunteertbe@vt.edu with questions. Homeowners interested in hosting a project can register any time before March 15, and email projectstbe@vt.edu with questions.