Building Bridges Between Students and the Community

For Tyrique Whitson, service is a way of life. A junior majoring in sociology and political science, he leads The Big Event, PennWest’s largest student-run community service initiative. Each spring, hundreds of students fan out across the region to assist local residents and businesses with everything from yard work to painting projects.

Bringing together students, community members, and local businesses, The Big Event has grown into a defining tradition. But for Whitson, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the connections formed along the way.

“Service isn’t just about checking a box for volunteer hours,” Whitson said. “It’s about showing up for people, listening to their stories, and realizing that small acts of kindness can have a huge impact.”

One of his favorite moments came during a project for an elderly homeowner. She shared the story of her mother’s rose bush, a plant that had been in the family for generations. The students worked to trim and care for it, and when she saw the final result, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

“That smile on her face, the way she looked at that rose bush—it was one of those moments that remind you why this matters,” he said. “Sometimes, service is about more than the work. It’s about making someone’s day a little brighter.”

Listen to Tyrique's story on the Power of PennWest Podcast