IRVING, Texas (April 16, 2024) — On Saturday, April 27, members of the University of Dallas community will gather to serve local households through The Big Event, UD’s largest annual day of community service.

Organized by UD students and inspired by a similar annual event at Texas A&M, The Big Event began in 2022.

Dean of Students Greg Roper, PhD, BA ’84, encouraged members of the university community to get their hands dirty.

“The first year, I worked with a crew clearing, weed-whacking and trimming a retired single woman’s back yard, painting her shed and allowing her to use her property and enjoy her area so much more. She was so grateful, and the students I worked with loved getting outside and working together on such a satisfying project,” Roper said.

“The students especially loved working alongside faculty, staff, and their families. It was a fun, sweaty, rewarding day, and by 1 p.m. we all felt much more connected to our Irving friends and neighbors.”

Last year, over 250 students, faculty, staff and other volunteers served over 50 households.

Grace Bascon ’25, a member of the leadership team of The Big Event, said the group is halfway to its goal of 300 volunteers.

“The Big Event is in its third year of service. These past two years have been a successful way for the University of Dallas community to serve the Irving community, and we hope to continue that success this year. Through the core executive team this year of founder Aubrey Wieberg ’24, Porter Schmidt ’25, and Leila Simone Bell ’24 and myself, we have been able to recruit 130 volunteers and have 50 households signed up as of right now,” Bascon said.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up at this link. Irving residents interested in recruiting volunteers for house or yard work can sign up at this link.

About the University of Dallas

The University of Dallas is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country, known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities. According to national rankings, the University of Dallas has one of America’s most challenging, comprehensive undergraduate interdisciplinary programs, offered at an excellent value to some of the happiest students in the country. With campuses in Texas and Italy, UD stands apart as a thriving community of learners committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived. For more information, visit udallas.edu.