Service, Pride, and Connection: The Big Event unites campus and community

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Nearly 1,000 student volunteers working more than 160 job sites in a community-wide impact stretching across Bloomsburg made this year's rendition of The Big Event one of the largest to date.

Heading into April, months of planning were already well underway to bring the massive undertaking to life.

Coordinated by the Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg's Community Government Association (CGA), The Big Event mobilized students across campus for a single day dedicated to service, connection, and community pride.

For Chaz Kaszuba, president of the Community Government Association (CGA), the months of preparation would lead to a single day defined by impact, connection, and pride.

And this year, it showed.

The Big Event brought together nearly 1,000 student volunteers who served at more than 160 job sites throughout the Bloomsburg community, making it one of the largest events in its history!

"This year's Big Event was one of the largest we've had to date," said Kaszuba, a business administration management major. "We had around 1,000 student volunteers serving at over 160 job sites, and every single site made an impact."

What stood out most wasn't just the scale, but the variety of students who showed up.

"From large student organizations and clubs to small groups and individual volunteers, the range of involvement was incredible," he said. "Seeing that level of engagement across campus was incredibly rewarding."

While the day itself is filled with energy and service, the work behind it begins months in advance.

"Planning an event of this size is a major undertaking that begins months in advance," Kaszuba said. "We started in the fall 2025 semester and worked all the way up to the event."

Multiple committees within CGA take on different responsibilities, all working toward the same goal.

"Our fundraising committee works to secure the resources needed to support the event," he explained. "Our town outreach committee connects with local residents and organizes job sites, while our student outreach committee focuses on getting students involved and helping them understand why The Big Event matters."

Even with that structure, the process requires constant attention.

"From recruiting volunteers to assigning job sites, organizing equipment, and preparing materials like t-shirts, the process is detailed and continuous right up until the day of the event," he said.

This year, those efforts paid off in a big way, especially in participation.

"Our marketing efforts were especially impactful this year," Kaszuba said. "Through yard signs, digital content, and expanded outreach strategies, we were able to increase participation significantly."

At the center of it all is CGA, which oversees the coordination and execution of the event.

"Our team is responsible for managing logistics, communication, and making sure everything runs smoothly," he said. "It takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication, but it's something we take a lot of pride in."

Still, what makes The Big Event stand out isn't just the planning, it's the purpose behind it.

"The Big Event is such a meaningful tradition because it connects students with the Bloomsburg community in a very real way," Kaszuba said. "Students are stepping off campus, meeting residents, and making a direct impact."

That connection is something he doesn't take lightly.

"It gives students a broader perspective," he said. "It reinforces the importance of giving back and shows them how much their efforts truly matter."

Over time, the event has grown into a defining part of the Bloomsburg experience.

"It's become a staple not only for CGA but for the university as a whole," Kaszuba said. "Each year, we build on the legacy of the boards before us and continue raising the bar."

For Kaszuba, leading that effort has been deeply personal.

"Serving as CGA President and helping lead this event is something I hold very close to my heart," he said. "I'm passionate about advocating for students, and being able to organize something at this scale has been incredibly meaningful."

He credits the people around him for making it possible.

"I couldn't be more proud of my Senate and executive board," he said. "They truly exceeded expectations and made this year's event something special."

And when the day finally arrives, it's the students who make it unforgettable.

"Seeing students out in the community volunteering fills me with a sense of pride," Kaszuba said. "It's powerful to watch so many people come together for a shared purpose."

For many, it changes how they view service.

"The Big Event transforms community service into something engaging and meaningful," he said. "It shows students that giving back can also be an enjoyable and impactful experience."

That impact is felt on both sides, by students and community members alike.

"Events like this create connection," Kaszuba said. "They bring students and community members together, foster a sense of belonging, and show that our students genuinely care."

The feedback this year only reinforced that.

"Hearing directly from community members and seeing their appreciation firsthand is something I'll always remember," he said. "The response from both homeowners and students has been overwhelmingly positive."

And even after the day ends, its meaning sticks.

"It goes beyond a single day," Kaszuba said. "It helps build stronger relationships and a more positive community overall."

With another successful year complete, The Big Event continues to grow not just in size, but in impact, driven by the students who make it happen.

The Big Event '26

Categories:

• Community Service
• Event
• Professional U
• Service Learning
• Student Involvement
• Students

Tags:

• Community
• Leadership
• Student Involvement
• Volunteer