UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will honor the service and sacrifice of military service members, veterans, and their families with a series of military appreciation events for the Penn State and local communities throughout November.
Penn State’s 11th annual Military Appreciation Week officially kicks off on Nov. 4 with a series of festivities celebrating Penn State faculty and staff members who are veterans and service members. The celebrations, which include Veterans Day activities on Nov. 11 will culminate in the annual Military Appreciation Tailgate and Football Game at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 12.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public — including veterans and service members — and Penn State students, faculty and staff.
Military Appreciation Week events:
Oct. 3 — State College Borough Military Appreciation Week Proclamation: 7 p.m. at the State College at the State College Municipal Building. During its regular public meeting, the State College Borough recognized Military Appreciation Week in the Borough to take place from Nov. 4 to 12.
Nov. 1 — Centre County Military Appreciation Month Proclamation: 10 a.m. at the Willowbank Office Building in Bellefonte. Centre County Commissioners will recognize November as Military Appreciation Month during its weekly meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
Nov. 4 — First Annual Penn State Military Appreciation Week Concert: 8 p.m. at The State Theatre in downtown State College. The Penn State Military Appreciation Committee together with The State Theatre presents Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears and Cedric Burnside. All proceeds benefit the Penn State Military Student Fund. Tickets are available for purchase for $40 in advance at The State Theatre website or for $46 on the day of the show.
Nov. 5 — Student Veteran House Open House: 2 to 6 p.m. at Omega Delta Sigma Student Veteran House at 500 South Allen Street in State College. The Omega Delta Sigma student veteran fraternity is hosting an open house for the community in their new fraternity house.
Nov. 5 — Wills for Heroes: In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Penn State Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, the Centre County Bar, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division and Pro Bono Program will host a Wills for Heroes event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in suite 118 in the 329 Building in Innovation Park. This program will provide free basic estate planning documents (wills, living wills, healthcare and financial powers of attorney) to all active and retired police, fire, emergency medical personnel, other first responders and military veterans and their spouses/partners. This event has also been extended to essential workers (active and retired). For more information, call the clinic at 814-865-4290.
Nov. 6 — Military Appreciation Freedom 5K: Noon at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The Freedom 5K — organized by Penn State Air Force ROTC — will raise money and awareness to support veterans navigating life after their service. Race registration is required via the online form. While the race is free to participate in, donations for Operation Red Wings Foundation are currently being accepted.
Nov. 10 — Veterans Luncheon: Noon – 2:00 p.m. at the Hintz Alumni Center. The Penn State Military Appreciation Events Committee will host a luncheon celebrating Penn State employee service members and veterans. Penn State faculty, staff, student and alumni veterans are invited to attend. Eugene L. McFeely, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), who serves as the senior director for Veterans Affairs and Services at Penn State, will be the guest speaker. Reservations are required by Oct. 28 and space is limited. A request to attend can be submitted via this online form.
Nov. 10 — WWII exhibit and open house at the All-Sports Museum Open House: 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the All-Sports Museum. The All-Sports Museum is hosting the “I Am a Penn Stater: Nittany Lions in World War II” exhibit in the museum’s second floor through June 1, 2025. Timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the conflict, “I Am a Penn Stater” chronicles the contributions of Nittany Lion varsity lettermen and Women’s Recreation Association athletes during WWII and follows their service over the years. The All-Sports Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children, seniors and students.
Nov. 11 — Penn State Employee and Student Military Appreciation Breakfast: 9 to 10:45 a.m. at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. The annual Penn State Employee and Student Military Service Recognition Breakfast recognizes Penn State employees and students in the military. Students, faculty and staff who currently serve or have served in the armed forces are invited to attend the breakfast, which will feature light refreshments, entertainment and networking. Registration is required via this online form. For additional questions, please contact Sharon Lucas at VetLady@psu.edu.
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Ceremony: Starting at 11:11 a.m. to noon on Old Main lawn and virtual. Join the Penn State community for a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring those who have served in the armed forces. The annual ceremony, hosted by the Penn State Student Veterans Organization, will be held in front of Old Main and will be live streamed at watch.psu.edu/MAW.
Nov. 11 — Student Veteran Panel: 2 to 3 p.m. in the Flex Theater in the HUB-Robeson Center and virtual. Join a panel of student veterans for an open conversation focused on debunking myths and misconception, their student experience and transition into civilian life. Registration is not required; to view the panel online, visit watch.psu.edu/MAW.
Nov. 12 — Military Appreciation Tailgate: Three hours prior to football game kick-off (game time TBD) at the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State and Walmart will host a free tailgate featuring food, entertainment, a resource fair and more for active duty, Guard and Reserve military members, veterans and their families as well as Gold Star families. Additional events include a military-themed banner competition. Military members and veterans with valid proof of military service are welcome and can get complimentary tickets at the door.
Nov. 12 — Military Appreciation football game: Time TBD at Beaver Stadium. Penn State will recognize Penn State faculty and staff who serve and have served in the U.S. armed forces during the football team’s Military Appreciation game against University of Maryland.
The Penn State Military Appreciation Week Committee is comprised of Penn State and community volunteers dedicated to honoring the military community and celebrating Penn State’s military history and support for service members, veterans and military families. For more than a decade, the committee has organized Penn State Military Appreciation Week in collaboration with the community, student organizations, Penn State Athletics, and local veteran organizations. To help support annual events organized by the Penn State Military Appreciation Committee, please visit give.communityfunded.com/o/annual-giving/i/military.