Tyrique Whitson, a junior double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, serves as the Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Chair of The Big Event at Pennsylvania Western University’s California campus. As an active member of the university community, Whitson is deeply involved in initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on both students and the surrounding community.

One of Whitson’s key roles is organizing The Big Event, an annual day of service sponsored by SGA.

“The Big Event is a day where we give back to the local community surrounding our campus,” Whitson explains.

The event fosters a spirit of service and community connection, with this year’s Big Event scheduled on Saturday, March 29.

When asked about the impact of The Big Event on the local California community, Whitson shared, “Yes, the main reason we continue to do this every year is the major impact it has on the community around us. We want to continue to build a relationship with the community, and we hope each Big Event allows us to get closer with them.”

The annual event serves as a bridge between the university and the people in the area, strengthening bonds and showing gratitude for the support they receive throughout the year.

As the event continues to grow, Whitson and the SGA team are always striving to improve the experience for volunteers. “We certainly want this to be a fun event and something that the volunteers enjoy,” he said.

They actively gather feedback after each event to make improvements and enhance future Big Events.

“We are already thinking about how to make The Big Event next year bigger and more fun for all volunteers!” Whitson also emphasized that the team is always open to suggestions and feedback to ensure the event is engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Whitson also expressed his gratitude to PSECU, which will once again provide breakfast for volunteers on the morning of The Big Event.

“We are super excited for The Big Event this year, and we can’t wait to see all of our volunteers!” he said, eagerly anticipating a successful and impactful event.

The Big Event is a powerful demonstration of Penn West California’s commitment to community service and engagement. With volunteers coming together to make a tangible impact, this annual tradition not only improves the local area but also strengthens the bond between the university and its surrounding community. We look forward to another successful year of The Big Event and the positive change it will bring to the California community.