海角社区

For over a decade, Geaux Big Baton Rouge has been 海角社区鈥檚 largest day of service, connecting students with local organizations to make a tangible impact. But this year, Geaux Big is bigger than ever鈥攚hat was once a single day of volunteering has expanded into an entire week of service opportunities. 

The decision to expand Geaux Big from a one-day event to a full week aimed to increase service accessibility. By partnering with on-campus organizations for the first time, Geaux Big 2025 offered more service opportunities, both on and off campus, helping students connect with new resources and organizations.

This year's projects included cleaning Chimes Street, assisting with 海角社区 Food Pantry operations, and cleaning Perkins Rowe Community Park.

Empowering Change

Geaux Big exemplifies 海角社区's mission to drive positive change by connecting students with the greater Baton Rouge community and significantly contributing to the state's well-being. Last year, the event resulted in $3,132,881 in community impact and over 4,000 hours of service. 

Strength in Collaboration

Geaux Big thrives on strong partnerships with campus and community organizations. This year, 35 partners contributed to its success, including the Black Student Union, African American Cultural Center, Student Government, and community organizations such as the West Baton Rouge Museum, the Food Bank, and Front Yard Bikes. 

鈥淥ur partners are the superheroes of the community,鈥� said Briana McManus, 海角社区鈥檚 assistant director for leadership and civic engagement. 鈥淭hey do the work daily, and it鈥檚 an honor to set aside time to support their missions.鈥�

The Next Generation of Leaders

Geaux Big is more than just a service event鈥攊t鈥檚 an impactful leadership experience. Students step into leadership roles, gain confidence, and develop valuable skills that extend beyond campus. This experience serves as a catalyst for shaping the next generation of leaders at 海角社区, helping students apply and refine their abilities in real-world settings.

鈥淭he goal is that this will be an opportunity where they get a taste for leadership and go on to lead in their organizations, internships, jobs, and beyond,鈥� McManus noted.

Jordyn Wilson, a senior broadcast journalism student and student director of Geaux Big Baton Rouge, shared how organizing the event reshaped her perspective on service and community engagement. 

鈥淚 am incredibly grateful for the experience planning Geaux Big has provided me. It has not only transformed the entire trajectory of my senior year but has also forever changed my perspective on service,鈥� Wilson said. 

One of her most memorable moments of this year鈥檚 Geaux Big took place on a Friday evening鈥攄uring St. Patrick鈥檚 Day weekend鈥攚hen Wilson arrived at the Perkins Rowe Community Park Clean Up service and was stunned by the turnout.

鈥淎s I arrived at the service site and saw so many people in their purple volunteer shirts, radiating big smiles, I nearly shed tears,鈥� Wilson said. 

鈥淚 thought to myself, 鈥榃ow, these students could be doing anything else, especially on a Friday evening. But they鈥檙e here, smiling and picking up trash.鈥欌��

The Future of Geaux Big

With its continued growth, Geaux Big demonstrates 海角社区鈥檚 ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact, leading by example, and creating a lasting legacy in Baton Rouge and beyond.

Service at 海角社区 isn鈥檛 just about hours logged; it鈥檚 about building relationships, gaining leadership experience, and making a real difference.

鈥淭he win of Geaux Big is not the number of students who serve. It is that each student feels connected to the service and to one another,鈥� McManus said.

Wilson encourages students to participate in the years to come. 鈥淐ommunity service can shape your college experience. Find a project that aligns with your passion and get involved鈥攖he impact will last beyond 海角社区.鈥�

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