The Big Event is the University of Oklahoma's official day of community service! Volunteers participate in this event to show their appreciation to the surrounding community by completing service projects such as painting, yard work, and visiting with the elderly.
What makes The Big Event so big? Every spring for the last 25 years, over 6,000 students, faculty, and staff have volunteered at over 200 jobsites in a 40-mile radius that encompasses Norman and the Greater Oklahoma City metro area. We have a yearly budget exceeding $80,000 and ladders, shovels, and paintbrushes to supply a small army. This is truly is one BIG service-filled day!
The Big Event began at Texas A&M University in 1982 when student leaders saw a need to give back to their surrounding community of Bryan-College Station--a community that continually supported their university. Joe Nussbaum, vice president of the Student Government Association at Texas A&M, took the initiative to make others aware of this need, and, after a passage through the student senate, The Big Event was born. After 40 successful years, The Big Event is now an annual event at more than 60 major universities across the nation.
The program has not only seen tremendous national growth since its beginning, but also tremendous local growth at the University of Oklahoma. OU held its first official The Big Event in the spring of 1999 after it was adopted by the University of Oklahoma Student Association, the official student government of OU. The Big Event has become a prominent and lasting tradition at OU and continues to grow each year.
The Big Event 2025 - 2026 Leadership Team
Chair of The Big Event - Audrey Bickerstaff
Associate Chair - Amy Gibson
Vice Chair of Campus Engagement - Maddie Robles
Vice Chair of Sponsorship - Carson Rury
Vice Chair of Jobsite Recruitment - Maggie Shaw
Vice Chair of Operations - Olivia O'Brien
Vice Chair of Community Relations - Emily Buechele
Vice Chair of Strategy & Technology - Pierce Ogle
Vice Chair of Public Relations - Rylie Hostetter
Hey everyone! My name is Audrey Bickerstaff, I’m a senior from McKinney, TX majoring in Art History. I have been a part of The Big Event since freshman year and have loved it ever since! The Big Event does so much good for the Norman/OKC area, not only through volunteer work but by creating community on campus. I am so grateful that I get the chance to help lead this organization and continue to create relationships and community that will last behind my time at OU. I cannot wait to see all the amazing work we all accomplish together!!
Hello! My name is Amy Gibson and I am a senior accounting student from Dallas, Texas. I joined The Big Event my freshman year, and have fallen in love with the organization and the people within it. Joining The Big Event has been one of the best decisions I have made during college. I have loved getting the opportunity to give back to the Norman/OKC community the past few years. I am so excited to see all that is accomplished this upcoming year!
Hi!! My name is Pierce Ogle and I am a junior MIS and Accounting double major from Dallas, Texas. The Big Event has been an amazing experience that I began as a freshman here at OU. Getting to work with non profits and individuals who need help in the Norman/ OKC area has been so fulfilling and I can’t wait to continue to help the surrounding community at OU even more this year!
Hello! My name is Rylie Hostetter and I am a senior from Mckinney, Texas, currently studying Nursing with a minor in Psychology. I became involved with The Big Event my freshman year as a member of our Operations Staff, and I could not be more thankful that I did! Over these past three years, I have had the opportunity to serve alongside others who share similar passions to me and are some of the most servant-hearted individuals I have ever met. I am so excited to serve as a Vice Chair again this year and I cannot wait to see the impact this group of people is going to make on the community!
Hey y’all! I’m Madelyn Robles, a senior from Austin, Texas studying Finance and Management Information Systems. I’ve been a part of The Big Event for the past few years, and it’s honestly become the family I didn’t know I needed at OU. From my first year volunteering to serving as Vice Chair of Campus Engagement, this organization has shaped so much of my college experience. It’s where I’ve found some of my closest friends, grown as a leader, and been reminded again and again of the power of service and community. I’m so grateful to call TBE home!
Hi! My name is Carson Rury, and I am a senior Finance major from Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is my fourth year serving in some capacity through TBE, and it has been a joy giving back to the community! I am excited to continue encountering new people in the community and humbly serving them in any way possible!
Hi! My name is Maggie Shaw, and I’m a senior from Frisco, Texas, studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. I joined The Big Event as a freshman, and I truly couldn’t have found a better organization to be a part of throughout my time at OU. From connecting with incredible jobsites across Oklahoma to building lifelong friendships with fellow members, this experience has meant the world to me. I’m so excited to see all the amazing work our team accomplishes this year and in the years ahead. I love TBE!
Hi! I’m Olivia O’Brien. I’m from Frisco, Texas, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology on the pre-medical track. This will be my fourth year serving with The Big Event, and I am so grateful to have met so many dedicated individuals through this organization. I’m lucky to work with so many places in Oklahoma that need our help, as well as with students who are ready to serve. I can’t wait to help make our process for doing this more efficient and impactful!
Hi! My name is Emily Buechele, and I am a junior from Arlington, Texas, studying Communication and Nonprofit Organizational Studies. I have been a part of The Big Event since my freshman year, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Service and leadership are very important to me, and I’m proud to be part of an organization committed to uplifting others and creating positive change in our community. Being surrounded by other students who share these values has been both inspiring and motivating, and I'm excited to continue making a difference together!
