UNK students spread mulch at Yanney Heritage Park on Saturday while participating in The Big Event service project. (Photo by Kollin Goff, UNK Communications)
KEARNEY – Although he’s originally from Haiti, Dave Martin calls Kearney his hometown.
He moved here four years ago and graduated from Kearney High School before enrolling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The community has been a welcoming and supportive place for Martin and his family, so he was more than happy to give back during The Big Event – UNK’s largest single-day service project.
“Kearney has done so much for us, and I feel like a great way to show our gratitude for that is to go out in the community and start helping,” the UNK freshman said. “The people here are always willing to help out in any way they can, and we want to show them how thankful we are.”
Double majoring in music education and music business, Martin currently serves as president of the Upsilon Eta Upsilon Honor Society for Black Excellence. He and more than a dozen other members of the UNK student organization got up bright and early Saturday morning to lend a hand at the Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity housing development.
As they were planting trees at one of the completed homes, another group of UNK students joined the team of volunteers building two more houses across the street. Those Lopers, from the Construction Management Organization, were definitely in their element as they framed walls for the residences.
“What’s more perfect than building a house?” UNK senior Avery Day said during a short coffee break.
Like Martin, the Brighton, Colorado, native was participating in her first Big Event. Since she’s studying interior and product design with a construction management minor, Day appreciated the opportunity to put her skills to good use.
She also recognized that it was much more than just a hands-on learning experience.
“By volunteering, you’re actually creating purpose and changing people’s lives,” Day said. “We get to meet these individuals and work alongside them as we build their forever homes. It gives you a deeper appreciation for the community and a connection that extends beyond campus.”
400 STUDENTS, 80 LOCATIONS
Guided by the motto “One Big Day, One Big Thanks,” The Big Event has been an annual tradition at UNK since 2006. Lopers from a variety of campus organizations, academic programs and athletic teams participate each year to express their appreciation for the community support they receive.
“This is an important event for our campus because it brings us all together and allows us to give back to the community that we’ve been a part of,” said Ally Sedlacek, a junior from O’Neill. “We want to show the community that we have a lot of great students here who can make a big impact, and we want the participants to see the difference they can make in Kearney.”
A member of the Alpha Phi sorority, Sedlacek has volunteered all three years she’s been on campus. She currently serves as secretary of community relations for UNK Student Government, which organizes The Big Event, so her role switched to project coordinator this year.
“It’s a lot more stressful, that’s for sure,” she said with a smile. “But it’s been really awesome to get to work with the community and our students and see everything come together.”
Approximately 400 students took part in Saturday’s event, spreading out across 80 locations from Yanney Heritage Park to Kearney Area
Animal Shelter to the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home and points in between. They tackled yardwork and spring cleaning, painting and trash pick-up, and numerous other tasks.
At the Habitat for Humanity site, building committee member Ken Mumm was beyond excited to have the extra assistance.
“It’s probably an overused word, but it’s fantastic to have the help,” the former board president said. “Without these students, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish everything we’re doing today.”
“Most of us went to college and we recognize what it was like to sleep in on a Saturday morning, so we definitely appreciate that they’re willing to do that,” he added with a chuckle.
Mayor Jonathan Nikkila also shared his gratitude during an 8 a.m. kickoff rally at Cope Stadium.
“What you’re doing here today – going out and serving the community – is really the Kearney way,” he said. “ … You guys are representing what makes Kearney great and being an active part of that.”
