By Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator, CSC
CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College adjunct faculty member and adviser to The Big Event student staff, Nicky McHugh, called Saturday’s event a tremendous success led by students. A total of 292 volunteers registered in advance, with 42 more joining the effort the day of the event to serve 43 jobsites.
For student staff member Laynee Boltz of North Platte, Nebraska, the annual tradition offers more than just service hours.
“The Big Event gives us the opportunity to actually meet with the community and help out,” she said.
Adam Beard of Berthoud, Colorado, said being on the student staff helps him build connections beyond campus.
“As a student here, I get caught up in my classes and my on-campus activities,” Beard said. “So, it’s nice to work with and meet people who I live around.”
Chadron resident Jan Thomas said recent windstorms left her unsure how to manage her yard, until she heard about the event.
“A neighbor messaged me about The Big Event the college was having,” she said. “Just what I needed. The yard is looking so much better now. Thank you to all who worked on our yard.”
Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees member and CSC alum Danny Reynaga of Mitchell, Nebraska, credited the weather and student enthusiasm for the day’s success.
“It’s great to see this tradition keep going,” Reynaga said. “I was glad to see all the students excited about getting into the community and making this place home.”
CSC head football coach Jay Long emphasized his team’s contribution, noting that nearly 100 student-athletes volunteered for two hours.
“We worked at three of the four city parks,” Long said. “We went out to the fairgrounds, made repairs, helped the Circle of Light and worked at the Dawes County Historical Society Museum. A true community service day.”
Liam Blaser of Columbus, Nebraska, said the relationship between the town and the college motivates students to serve.
“They come out and support us,” he said. “Being able to give back to those people is what makes the town of Chadron special.”
Nebraska State College System Chancellor Paul Turman, a seven-year volunteer, worked alongside track student-athletes and described the scale of the effort.
“We spread about four dump truck loads full of mulch,” Turman said. “It was quite a bit of work, but a great opportunity and a beautiful day.”
Chadron State College President Jodi Kupper expressed appreciation for the turnout and community spirit.
“Thank you to all of the CSC faculty, staff, students and individuals connected with the college who gave their time,” Kupper said. “They really made a difference for our community.”
From parks and public spaces to private residences and churches, volunteers spent the day completing projects that might have otherwise gone unfinished, reinforcing the connection between the college and the Chadron community. The continued growth of The Big Event reflects a shared commitment to service that extends beyond campus and into the lives of local residents.