Student Engagement Guide:Big Event

The BIG Event—formerly known as Operation Blue & Gold—is a campus-wide day of service where students, faculty, and staff come together to give back to the Commerce community. Taking place in the Spring semester, this event fosters a spirit of gratitude and service by engaging volunteers in projects that directly benefit local residents, non-profits, and community organizations.
From yard work and painting to beautification projects and cleanups, The BIG Event provides an opportunity to make a tangible impact while strengthening the bond between East Texas A&M and Commerce. The day represents our collective commitment to improving the spaces we share and honoring the needs of our neighbors.
Join us as we continue the proud tradition of service and make a difference in our community!

Mission

The mission of The BIG Event at East Texas A&M University is to foster a culture of service and gratitude by mobilizing students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful community projects. Through this annual day of service, we aim to strengthen connections with our neighbors, address local needs, and demonstrate the university's commitment to giving back to the Commerce community.

Vision

Our vision is to create a lasting impact in the Commerce area by uniting the university and the community in a shared effort to promote positive change. We strive for The BIG Event to be a tradition that inspires a spirit of service, cultivates lifelong habits of civic engagement, and reinforces the bond between East Texas A&M and the community we call home.

Impact Statements

“Hi there! Just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work you put into getting The BIG Event together. The guys did a great job, and I really appreciate all the help! Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate all you've done!” – Site #01

“Incredibly thankful, grateful, and truly blessed by the hard-working young men from Kappa Sigma and the East Texas A&M golf team! They got more accomplished in half a day than I could put a dent in in over a year. Thank you, gentlemen, for all your hard work! Slowly but surely, I’ll be able to turn this house into a home, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you!” – Site #01

“I want to convey Mrs. Rudoff's thanks to you and all the lovely young women who made such a difference in her yard this morning. She was so grateful. What a great group.”

“So so thankful for the girls that came out! They put in some real labor, sweat, and laughed along the way.”