Santonio Chandler and Ashunti Robinson bag leaves during the Big Event, Saturday, March 29, 2015. (DM Photo | Kayla Beatty)
Over 1,400 students arrived Saturday morning at the Tad Pad to participate in the fifth annual Big Event. This year, more than 201 service projects were completed by the volunteers.
A number of speakers were present to kick off the event, including Mayor Pat Patterson, John Oxford, representing Renasant Bank, Mindy Sutton, dean of students and vice chancellor of student affairs, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brandi Hephner Labanc, Chancellor Dan Jones and keynote speaker Ross Bjork, Ole Miss athletics director.
“Today is a special day in the life of our university. You go to serve in a purposeful way,” Jones said. “That is good for the university, and that is good for you.”
Bjork was the final speaker and led the students in “locking the Vaught” to pump up the crowd.
“Whatever you’re doing today, do it with excellence because that will get you to higher ground,” Bjork said.
Students were dismissed in groups around 9:45 a.m. to complete their various projects throughout the community.
Four projects were cancelled due to volunteers not showing up.
Co-director Caroline Loveless visited the various project sites throughout the day, and she said almost all of the volunteers enjoyed themselves while working at their service project.
Loveless said those who came out definitely benefitted from connecting with community members through service.
“The Big Event is Ole Miss’ way of giving back to the community that gives us so much,” public relations and marketing co-director Amanda Jones said. “It shows a lot about our student body and how much they care and appreciate Oxford.”
