1. Office of First-Year Experience
  2. Student Events
  3. The Big Event

The Big Event

Welcome to The Big Event, UL Lafayette's largest day of service! This is our way of giving students, faculty, staff, and alumni a way to say 'thank you' to the Lafayette community. Through a variety of service projects, students gain a sense of citizenship and social responsibility, all while promoting a Ragin' Cajun spirit.

This year we are celebrating the 13th annual Big Event on March 28, 2026! This day would not be possible without the help of 2025-2026 The Big Event Executive Board. This team of student leaders has worked together for nearly 10 months planning this year’s event. Thank you for your dedication to The Big Event and for laying a strong groundwork for this year's event. 

We would also like to acknowledge our advisors for this year’s event: Kayleigh Murphy, Morgan Scott, Andre David, and Elle Clements. Thank you for your guidance and support! The collaboration across our campus is what makes The Big Event so special. One Big Thanks to our team! 

Since 2013

16,012

volunteers

28,280

gallons of litter removed

12

years serving South Louisiana

Day-Of Information

7:30am-8:30am Check-in Martin Hall

8:30am Opening Ceremony

9:15am Dismiss to service sites

Flock leaders, please remember to distribute the following items to your teams after you check in:

  • Project-Site Location
  • Shirts
  • Any supplies given out at check-in

If you are a part of:

  • Cajun Clean Up: please return all of the trash bags and tools to Martin Hall.
  • Project Site: follow the instructions that are given at the site. 

As you go out and help the communities of Acadiana, make sure to take lots of pictures of all your hard work and don’t forget to tag us using the information below!

  • Hashtag: #ULBigEvent
  • Instagram: @ULBigEvent
  • Facebook: The Big Event at UL Lafayette 

Golden Flamingos

Every year, we have the Golden Flamingo awards to recognize the volunteers that exemplify our motto: One BIG Day, One BIG Thanks. This year we will be handing out awards for the largest flock, earliest registered volunteers, most creative flock name, and best flock sign. Be sure to check out @ulbigevent on Instagram after The Big Event to see the winners! 

One Big Thanks to our Sponsors

We want to thank our 2024 sponsors for joining with the Office of First-Year Experience to make The Big Event possible and for showing their commitment to both the students of the University of Louisiana Lafayette and our community. 

Presenting Sponsor

For the first time in the history of The Big Event, we have a Presenting Sponsor- Parish Proud! Parish Proud is a local organization that is dedicated to beautifying spaces across Acadiana, which makes them the perfect presenting sponsor for The Big Event. Together, we are forming a true collaboration of community and our university. 

Magnolia Sponsor

Cypress Sponsor

Pelican Sponsors