UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will honor those who served their country as part of the armed services during the University’s ninth annual Military Appreciation Week, which will take place virtually and will include special events and programming adapted to align with health and safety guidelines related to the pandemic.
The week-long series of events from Nov. 7-14 is dedicated to honoring veterans, service members and military families and recognizing their service and sacrifice. This year’s celebrations will include the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony, virtual veteran student panel conversation and more.
Additional details will be provided in Penn State News in the coming weeks about planned events, including:
- Centre County Military Appreciation Week Proclamation (meeting will be streamed)
- State College Borough Military Appreciation Week Proclamation (meeting will be streamed)
- Veterans Day Ceremony
- Downtown Improvement District “scavenger hunt” to support veterans and local businesses
- Virtual veteran student panel
- Virtual Mindful Resilience yoga class
“While events and activities will be adapted this year to support the health and safety of our campus and local community members during the pandemic, we look forward to showcasing our ongoing pride and support for the Penn Staters, and all, who have fought and served over the years,” said Col. Eugene McFeely, Penn State’s senior director for veterans affairs and services and chair of Penn State’s Military Appreciation Committee.
The University’s annual military appreciation celebrations have been among the largest of their kind in the Big Ten year after year. While the annual tailgate party for veterans and servicemembers will not take place this year due to the pandemic, veterans and servicemembers will still be honored during the Penn State Nittany Lions football game against Maryland on Nov. 7.
Among ongoing opportunities to support Penn State veterans and servicemembers, community members can make a donation to the Penn State Military Student Fund or Veterans Service Support Fund.
“Penn State is committed to supporting our active-service, veteran and ROTC students so they receive the resources and benefits they deserve,” McFeely said. “Through our military appreciation events — as well as ongoing academic programs and support offerings — we strive to address the unique needs of military students and families year-round.”
Today, more than 5,600 students have direct military ties as either service members, veterans or military dependents, across all of Penn State’s campuses, including World Campus.