On April 8, students will have the opportunity to give back to the Starkville community through community service with the annual The Big Event.
The Big Event is a day for students to donate an hour of their time to community service projects in Starkville. For the past three years, Freshman Council has planned The Big Event.
Hannah Rachel Cardin, director of Freshman Council, said The Big Event is an important day for the campus and Starkville community.
“Mississippi State has experienced record enrollment for several years, and Starkville is directly affected by this growth,” Cardin said. “It is important for us to have a good relationship with our community, and giving back through service is a great way to build upon that relationship.” 
Cardin said getting involved with The Big Event is easy and takes little time.
“All of the forms and dates are listed on the website,” Cardin said.  “Team forms are due Friday, April 1. Follow us on Twitter @theBIGevent11 for updates and join our Facebook event, ‘The Big Event,’ to see who else has signed up.”
Cardin said The Big Event will start with a big kickoff breakfast in the Union at 8 a.m. on April 8.
“We will have sausage and chicken biscuits, juice and coffee, and all participants are encouraged to attend,” Cardin said. ”We will also have a speaker, and team members can pick up their T-shirts at the breakfast.
Dana Smith, a member of Freshman Council, said The Big Event is more than just a day of community service.
“The Big Event is really a day to say thank you for all that Starkville does,” Smith said. “It’s more than just a day of community service. It’s a great way to show gratitude to Starkville for the being the Starkville we all know and love.”
Cardin said The Big Event has always been a fun event in the past, and she encourages students to sign up for a timeslot.
“Community service is so rewarding, and it is something every college student should experience,” Cardin says. “It builds character, relationships and communication skills that are invaluable in the working world.  Plus, working The Big Event is a very laid-back, fun experience, and it’s a great way to get to know your friends and community organizations a little better.”
Cardin said every student has something to offer, and she hopes this year’s The Big Event will be even bigger than in past years.
“There is so much potential and talent on this campus, and we should be able to use those talents out in the community,” Cardin said. “We want to ‘Do it Big’ and make a ‘STATEment’ around Starkville.”
For more information, visitmsubigevent.comor stop by The Big Event table in the Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all week.