Last Saturday, Southeastern organizations and  students from all walks of life were united by a common goal: to make Southeastern and the surrounding community a brighter, more beautiful place.
On March 9, The Big Event, Southeastern's largest community service effort of the year, took place, bringing together over 800 students and faculty members. Although this is only the third year that The Big Event has taken place, the participant turnout was much bigger than anticipated, according to Jessica Weaver, a senior accounting major and director of projects of The Big Event.
Participants in The Big Event went to assigned job sites, where they performed manual labor for the betterment of the community.
"We did a lot of stuff on campus," said Mary Takewell, a junior general studies major  and co-director for The Big Event. "We cleaned graffiti, we picked up trash, we laid sod, we planted flowers, we pressure washed, we painted. We also went out into the community, and we cleaned houses, we did gardening work, and we did painting and tree removal."
The efforts of Southeastern students and faculty did not go unnoticed. Trejuan Johnson, a freshman accounting major who participated in The Big Event, recounted his experience as his group finished picking up debris at the Sustainability Center.
"It was hard work, but it was fun. We were trying to see who could make the debris in the bucket, so we had fun with it," said Johnson. "I just think we did a good job. As we were leaving, an old man thanked us and said that we really made a difference."
Overall, The Big Event was considered a success.
"I think it was very successful," said Takewell. "We had a great turnout. People were finishing jobs quickly and efficiently, and you can tell by the campus how hard people are working and how good things are looking."