Executive Team 2024-2025
Who We Are
Grant is a junior from Saint Simons Island, Georgia majoring in Finance and Physics.
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"After hearing about my stampede guide’s passion for The Big Event, I decided it would be the first organization I joined at SMU. I'm thankful for my decision every day because--from being a part of this organization--I have found a new family on campus, and the opportunity to work with this family to help our community puts a smile on my face every day. Starting as a general member, working my way up to service committee, and now Assistant Executive Director, seeing this organization operate from different levels has given me big dreams for our team, and I can't wait to share them!"
Avery White
Assistant Executive Director
Avery is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in Biology with minors in Neuroscience and Religious Studies.
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"I joined The Big Event my freshman year with the intention of it being a place where I could continue my love for community service, but what I found was so much more than that. This organization has allowed me to serve my own community alongside other service-minded individuals, and encourage SMU students to do the same! The Big Event is unique in that it brings both SMU students and members of the surrounding community together with one common goal - to help our neighbors.”
Grant Offner
Executive Director
Ella Skelsey
Director of Recruitment
Ella is a junior from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, majoring in chemistry and journalism with a minor in law and legal reasoning.
“Coming to SMU, I knew I wanted to get to know as many people as possible, and The Big Event stood out! Being an out-of-state student as well, I wanted to give back and connect with my new Dallas community. Not only does TBE provide a space to serve others in the Dallas area, but it allows for students across SMU’s campus to connect, form meaningful friendships, and have fun!!”
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Savannah Hunsucker
Director of Programming
Savannah is a junior from Walton, Kansas, majoring in Business Management and Spanish.
"I joined The Big Event because I am passionate about service and staying connected with the community. The Big Event has allowed me to grow my leadership and connect with so many amazing people here at SMU. I am looking forward to an exciting second year with this wonderful team!"
Zoey Hess
Director of Marketing and Communications
Zoey is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in Business Management & Psychology.
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"Giving back to the community has always been one of my most important priorities. The Big Event allows me to collaborate with hard-working, service-oriented individuals who want to make a positive difference. This organization has given me amazing friends, role models, and leadership opportunities. I am forever grateful for the experiences and relationships TBE has provided me with!"
Avery Hill
Co-Director of Internal Affairs
Avery is a junior from Marietta, Georgia, majoring in Psychology and French.
“When I first arrived at SMU, I knew I wanted to join a service organization that would allow me to give back to the community while getting to know my fellow students. The Big Event was the perfect outlet to achieve these goals and expand my leadership abilities on campus. I’m so excited to be on the Executive team this year and continue to make a big impact!”
Sophie Van Spaendonck
Co-Director of Internal Affairs
Sophie is a junior from Westport, Connecticut, majoring in Accounting with a minor in economics.
"When I first heard about The Big Event from my friends who were already involved, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Moving to Dallas, I felt a strong desire to contribute to my new community and help make it an even better place. The Big Event has given me the opportunity to do just that while working alongside friends and meeting incredible new people. I'm excited to be part of this team and make a meaningful impact at SMU”
Holly Xue
Director of Finance
Holly is a junior from Allen, Texas majoring in Finance with a minor in Law and Legal Reasoning.
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"I'm so grateful to have gotten involved in this amazing organization! It's home to the most warm and compassionate people and some of my closest friends which never fails to create a fun environment for service. Looking forward to seeing the community come together for a great purpose!"
Ashley Isabelle
Director of Service
Ashley is junior from Highland Village, Texas double majoring in Marketing and Advertising.
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"What makes The Big Event so special are the people in the organization that I get the honor of serving alongside. They truly make it feel like a big group of friends who come together to share their passion for giving back to others. Being a member of TBE has shown me what the true purpose of service is, which is to spread love throughout the community and to have fun while doing it!"
Ashley Wolters
Director of Logistics
Ashley is a junior majoring in Political Science and Finance.
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"I chose to join The Big Event because I wanted to continue serving my community in college, and this organization was the perfect opportunity. I loved being involved because of the people in TBE and the large impact it has on the community. I am so excited to be a part of this organization and I can not wait to see what we accomplish this year."
The Big Event at SMU
We are so excited to serve as your Big Event Team! Each of us is deeply committed to giving back to the Dallas community. It is truly an honor to organize the country's largest day of collegiate-led community service.
