Staff
The Big Event at Virginia Tech is an extraordinary way to give back to the community and exemplifies the university motto of Ut Prosim (That I may serve). Hosting one of the largest service events in the nation takes a lot of preparation and work, we hope you choose to help us make this upcoming event the biggest and best yet.
The Big Event will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Application information can be found on GobblerConnect. Contact stafftbe@vt.edu with any questions or concerns.
The Big Event Team
Advisors - tonytrimpe@vt.edu
Tony Trimpe (Engagement Coordinator)
The Big Event is a University Charter Student Organization (UCSO) that is advised by VT Engage: The Center for Leadership & Service Learning. Advisors guide and mentor the student director team in managing the organization to provide thoughtful leadership and community engagement practices as well as provide university support for all activities. This team ensures students adhere to university policies, risk management, financial management, and acts as day-of support.
Directors - directortbe@vt.edu
Grace Vaughan Sacks and Emme Williams
The Directors are responsible for working with all committees to ensure the success of The Big Event.
Fundraising and Finance - financetbe@vt.edu
Ben Cristi
The Fundraising team is responsible for creating and executing fundraising opportunities that fuel The Big Event such as grilled cheese nights, profit shares, and new creative initiatives. We also work with potential sponsors- from outreach and communication to day-of support - to ensure lasting partnerships. We're looking for organized team members who are outgoing, organized, and full of fresh ideas with strong time-management skills and a willingness to collaborate. The time commitment is about 1 hour per week, plus attendance at all fundraising events. Our ultimate goal is to raise the funds necessary to keep The Big Event running successfully and growing every year.
Internal Relations - stafftbe@vt.edu
Tess Butler and Porter Malone
The IR committee is responsible for creating a fun and welcoming environment for every staff member involved in The Big Event. Our responsibilities include planning events, programs, and experiences that help bring our staff together. We are looking for members who have an interest in planning small-scale events and can assist in creating an engaging atmosphere for TBE staff. The time commitment for this committee is 1 hour per week with the requirement to attend all planned bonding activities.
Programming - programstbe@vt.edu
Nate Zincone, Reena Vasudevan, and Matty Zincone
The Programming Committee is responsible for the scheduling of the flow of events and layout of the Drillfield on the day of The Big Event. This includes coordinating with sponsors, performers, town and university officials to create a safe and engaging experience for volunteers and staff. We design the setup, distribution, and return of tools, and are responsible for the takedown of everything. The Programming Committee is also responsible for planning and organizing the Battle of the Bands. Committee members will be responsible for answering questions from staff and volunteers alike concerning scheduling and organization. Time commitment includes about 1 hour in the fall and 2 hours in the spring semester, with an increasing time commitment in the two weeks before The Big Event and Battle of the Bands.
Projects - projectstbe@vt.edu
Shaila Papadakos, Reagan Schermerhorn, and Cameron Tobin
The Projects Committee members are the ones responsible for behind-the-scenes administrative tasks having to do with all of the volunteer work that is done on the day of The Big Event! These tasks include encouraging homeowners to sign up for projects, inputting data from homeowners during project checks, leading a group of staff members for project checks to ensure the safety of our volunteers, and staffing the check-in tent and serving as a point of contact for homeowners and volunteers on the day of TBE. The time commitment for the projects committee is around 3-4 hours a week for the both semesters with more time expected during the two weeks before the event.
Public Relations - commstbe@vt.edu
Ava Rattazzi and Sydney Hook
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for shaping and sharing the voice of The Big Event across all social media platforms while connecting with specific audiences at the right times. Our team drives the communication, creativity, and presence of the organization both online and in person. We are looking for enthusiastic and creative individuals with skills and interests in areas such as graphic design, marketing, photography, videography, social media, and current digital trends. Whether you thrive behind the scenes creating eye-catching content or in front of the camera with strong interview and people skills, there’s a place for you on our team. The time commitment for the PR committee is around 1 hour a week during the fall semester, and around 1-3 during the spring with more time expected in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Student Outreach - volunteertbe@vt.edu
Jake Silverman, Clara Jane Crocker, and Chris Harper
The Student Outreach Committee is dedicated to recruiting volunteers from the Virginia Tech student body to support The Big Event. As a Student Outreach committee member, you will present to classes, school organizations, and run marketing booths to gather volunteers to support our homeowner projects. Student Outreach committee members can expect to dedicate 1 hour per week during the fall, 1–3 hours per week in the spring, and extra hours in the month leading up to the big day. In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your marketing, public speaking, professional leadership, and intrapersonal communication skills. You will thrive on this committee by demonstrating your enthusiasm and passion for The Big Event!
Operations (Ops) Team - stafftbe@vt.edu
Our operations team is in charge of helping us facilitate roles that need to be filled during the spring semester only. Ops will work on a task force including other staff members to complete project checks every Saturday morning to ensure the safety of each project for our volunteers. Ops have around 1 hour of commitment in the spring semester, other than being expected to attend some marketing booths and project checks. This team will also help fill in roles on the day of The Big Event. We recruit members of our Operations Team at the end of the fall semester.
*Note: Members of all committees will participate in project checks once a week to help ensure the safety of all our volunteers on the day of!
