For the past five years, the BIG Event has brought together thousands of students, faculty, and staff from FSU, FAMU, and TCC to complete service projects around Tallahassee for a single goal: to say ‘thank you’ to the residents of their college town. Her Campus FSU sat down with this year’s director to learn a little more about this city-wide event.
Name: Jared DuBosar
Age: 20
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Major: Accounting
Involvements on Campus: Director of the 2015 BIG Event, past Pi Kappa Phi President, 2015 Line Dance Vice Chair, 2013 FSU Orientation Leader, and member of Florida State University 64th and 65th Student Senate.
Her Campus (HC): I’m sure most of us have heard, at least once, about the BIG Event on campus. Can you tell us more about it?
Jared DuBosar (JD): The BIG Event is one of the largest one-day student-run service projects in the nation, where the students of colleges and universities will come together to say ‘thank you’ to the residents of their college town. For the last five years, it has grown to become an extremely successful service project. Our turnout has grown from 300 volunteers to over 3,300 volunteers in 2014, and it will only grow from there. We project greater than 4,000 participants from FSU, 1,000 participants from FAMU, and 500 participants from TCC, totaling around 5,500 volunteers. This year, students, faculty, and staff will participate to show their appreciation to their community by completing service projects like yard work, window washing, and painting for community members.
HC: What inspired you to become involved with the BIG Event and how did you first get involved?
JD: Throughout my life I have always been a big fan of giving back. Community service was always a must for me. I genuinely enjoy helping others. When I got to college I did not want my views to change on this topic so I looked to get involved with a service-based organization. Since my brother was a past director of The BIG Event I decided to look into the event. After a little bit of research I knew that the BIG Event was the perfect way for me to continue my service-oriented involvement. I joined the executive board my freshman year as the Sponsorship Vice Chair, and have since served as the Event Day Manager and now the Director.
HC: What is your favorite part of the BIG Event?
JD: Without a doubt my favorite part of the event is the Kickoff Ceremony as well as the day of service that follows. Since Florida State University has given so much to myself and my fellow ‘Noles, it is great to see us give back to the Tallahassee community. The feeling you get when you see 3,500 students gathering and getting ready to help others is just incredible. Every year at the Kickoff event I tell myself that the hundreds of hours of planning were well worth it.
HC: What are some of your responsibilities as Director of the Big Event?
JD: As Director, my main responsibility is to oversee the executive board, the committee, and the staffers. I also serve as the main contact of the event with the university and the Student Government Association. As any typical Director/President, it is my job to make sure that everyone is on top of his or her work, and pick up the slack when necessary. Simply put, my job is to make sure the event runs smoothly and the Florida State students have a meaningful day of service.
HC: What has been the most challenging part of being the Director for the Big Event? Also, which part is the most rewarding?
JD: One of the most challenging parts of being Director is managing the different executive board positions. As of last year, I restricted the executive board to make each position have two people. At some points it is a struggle when the counterparts argue. However, watching them work together with myself to resolve any differences allows each one of us to become a stronger leader who is capable to work with others. The most rewarding part of the event is similar to my favorite part: the actual event. Seeing the massive turnout from Florida State Students and seeing that they care about the community that houses our university will continue to be the most rewarding part for me.
HC: How can we get involved?
JD: This year we have a large luncheon fundraiser about a month before the event. This luncheon will take place on Sunday, February 22nd in the Union Ballrooms. Tables cost $180 dollars (per 8 people), and an individual seat is $25. All proceeds from the luncheon go towards the event day expenses. If you are interested in a table please email thebigevent.programming@gmail.com.
As for the actual Kickoff event, it will take place on Langford Green Saturday, March 21st from 9:30 am until around 3 pm (depending on when your service site finishes). Registration is now open! We will also be putting out applications for event day staffers to assist the executive board and the committee with day-of operations. If you are interested in being a staffer please email me at thebigevent.director@gmail.com. We hope to have as many participants in this 2015 BIG Event, and we are ready to make it the BIGGEST one yet!