175 DSU students fanned out across the county to work on service projects during the 2026 Big Green Event.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University students and community volunteers turned out in strong numbers this past weekend for the university’s annual Big Green Event, completing a wide range of service projects across Cleveland and Bolivar County.
Approximately 175 volunteers participated in this year’s event, dividing into 20 teams to support local organizations, schools and public spaces. Despite cold morning temperatures, participants worked throughout the day to enhance the community through hands-on service.
Projects included beautification efforts in downtown Cleveland, where volunteers spread mulch and refreshed landscaping at the public library, City Hall and along Commerce Avenue. Additional teams collected litter and debris along the city’s walking and biking trail system and cleaned areas near the Delta State billboard on U.S. Highway 61.
Volunteers also partnered with local elementary schools, assisting with garden preparation and creating motivational banners to encourage students ahead of upcoming state testing. Other service efforts supported organizations such as the Delta Arts Alliance, the Bolivar County Animal Shelter and Immanuel Baptist Church, where participants contributed to spring cleaning and general upkeep.
“It was great to see everyone show up and give back to our community, especially on the cold morning that we had,” said Mikayla Kloth of Ames, Iowa, Director of the Big Green Event for 2025–2026. “This year at the Big Green Event we had around 175 people that broke up into 20 projects. There were many compliments on how everyone did and lots of appreciation for all those that volunteered.”
The Big Green Event is a Delta State tradition that reflects the university’s commitment to service learning and community engagement. Each year, students, faculty, staff and local residents come together to make a meaningful impact across the region while strengthening partnerships between the university and the communities it serves.
Through initiatives like the Big Green Event, Delta State continues to emphasize the importance of civic responsibility and hands-on involvement, preparing students to lead and serve both on campus and beyond. For more information about student activites and service opportunities at Delta State University, visit deltastate.edu/campus-life/.
