(January 29, 2009)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

BIG Event 2 is Coming to the Highlands

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Big Event is back!

On Saturday, March 21, Centenary College students, faculty, staff and alumni will canvass the Highland Historic District and help their neighbors with common household tasks while giving back to the community that has embraced and welcomed us for the past 100 years.

Event organizers are requesting household jobs from residents that live near the College, such as scrapping and repainting shutters, raking, weeding, yard work, picking up trash, cleaning sidewalks, etc. Once the job list is compiled, the volunteers will set out and complete the entire task list.

"Last year, more than 300 volunteers from the College set out into the neighborhood, armed with tools, water bottles and determination," said Jennifer Pate, one of the BIG Event coordinators. "What began as a way to give back to a community that had been our home for the past century is now becoming a tradition. Centenary's first Big Event was a huge success, and we at Centenary hope to see it continue and thrive."

But the event doesn't stop when the work is done. Once the projects are completed, Centenary will host our Highland neighbors at a campus "Big Event Celebration" — with food and fun for all.

For more information on the big event, e-mail email or contact Jennifer Pate (email) at 222.241.1828 or Ally Gann (email) at 972.742.3546.


About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in the Shreveport and Bossier City communities.