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The Big Event Comes to Mississippi College January 20


The Big Event takes place on January 20, 2014.

Mississippi College senior Dakota Bibbs is a faithful volunteer whether it’s at Habitat for Humanity or visiting senior citizens at nursing homes in metro Jackson.

A 21-year-old senior, Bibbs is now organizing The Big Event that enables MC to join a team of more than 30 colleges and universities devoted to community service projects nationwide. He hopes to see 500 students sign up for the Baptist-affiliated university’s first Big Event on January 20, 2014. They plan to tackle community service projects in the capital city area on that Monday.

The event originated at Texas A&M several years ago and spread to schools like Florida State, the University of Kansas, and Nebraska, among others, over the years. Last year, FSU students volunteered at Boys and Girls clubs and provided assistance to abused women in Tallahassee. FSU’s Big Event will be on February 22, 2014. KU’s 4th annual event will be April 12.

The student director for The Big Event at MC, Bibbs is working hard to make it a big success here. He wants to make it become “the biggest service day the campus of Mississippi College has ever seen.”

Students are encouraged to sign up for one of three time slots: from 9 a.m. until noon; 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. January 20 coincides with the nation’s annual celebration to mark the birthday of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.

An Olive Branch resident, Bibbs wants to see The Big Event grow and become a Mississippi College tradition. Community service is already one of the cornerstones of a Mississippi College education.

Volunteer service is part of Dakota’s DNA. He’s been a leader as service chairman for the Shawreth Men’s Club on the Clinton campus. His long list of volunteer service stretches from Hospice Ministries to Mission First to We Will Go in downtown Jackson.

Last week, the psychology major was among 79 students inducted into Who’s Who Among Students at American Universities and College. The national honor society recognizes students for their academic performance, community service and leadership skills.

When asked why he’s so committed to community service, Bibbs said Christ drives him. “Specifically Philippians 2 where it talks about servanthood. Christ served us so why shouldn’t I want to serve His people in return?”

MC students can sign up online at www.mc.edu/sga/big-event/. The last day to sign up is January 13.