UNK's Big Event celebrates 20 years of community service

Hundreds of students volunteer across Kearney for annual day of service

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:33pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a pair of work gloves repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the volunteer spirit of the University of Nebraska at Kearney's Big Event.The annual Big Event at the University of Nebraska at Kearney brings together hundreds of students to volunteer across the city, showcasing the university's strong commitment to community service.Kearney Today

The University of Nebraska at Kearney's annual 'Big Event' celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, with approximately 400 students volunteering at more than 60 sites across Kearney and the surrounding area. The event, which began in 2006 with just 200 student volunteers, has grown into one of UNK's most recognizable traditions, uniting students from across campus to serve the community that supports the university.

Why it matters

The Big Event reflects the strong culture of service at UNK and the close relationship between the university and the Kearney community. The event provides an opportunity for students to give back and show their appreciation for the support the city provides to the university.

The details

During the morning kickoff at Cope Stadium, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs George Holman reflected on the event's origins, sharing remarks from Matt Sullivan, the UNK Student Government member who led the team that brought The Big Event to Kearney in 2006. Volunteers spent the day completing a wide range of projects, from spring cleaning and yardwork to trash pickup and painting. At the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home, students from the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority helped set up garden patios for residents, while another group of UNK students sorted donations inside Crossroads Mission Avenue's thrift store.

  • The Big Event celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
  • The event was first launched in 2006 with about 200 student volunteers and roughly 30 job sites.

The players

George Holman

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Matt Sullivan

Former UNK Student Government member who led the team that brought The Big Event to Kearney in 2006.

Carly Gaedeke

A junior from Columbus and this year's lead organizer of The Big Event through UNK Student Government.

Jessica Modlin

Manager of activities and volunteer services at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home.

Jake Ondrak

Assistant executive director of Crossroads Mission Avenue.

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What they’re saying

“We are going to serve the Kearney community because of the support that it gives us as a university. We are embarking on a new UNK tradition. While service isn't new to this campus by any means, a project this big that makes such a big difference in one day will impact Kearney for years to come.”

— Matt Sullivan, Former UNK Student Government member

“Matt was right. It's had a big impact, and it's made a big difference, and it's become a big tradition here at UNK.”

— George Holman, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney

“It's truly inspiring to see so many people coming together to make a difference.”

— Carly Gaedeke, Junior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and lead organizer of The Big Event

“I want them to enjoy their time volunteering out here. Maybe it will plant a seed for somebody who will want to become an independent volunteer out here, because we're always looking for more people.”

— Jessica Modlin, Manager of activities and volunteer services at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home

“I love seeing the students come in and be part of something that's bigger than themselves.”

— Jake Ondrak, Assistant executive director of Crossroads Mission Avenue

What’s next

The University of Nebraska at Kearney plans to continue the annual Big Event tradition, with the next edition scheduled for April 2027.

The takeaway

The Big Event at the University of Nebraska at Kearney has become a cherished tradition that reflects the strong bond between the university and the Kearney community. By bringing hundreds of students together to volunteer across the city, the event demonstrates the culture of service and civic engagement that is deeply rooted at UNK.