Penn State will honor military service members, veterans, and their families with a series of military appreciation events for Penn State and local communities throughout October and November.
Penn State’s 12th annual Military Appreciation Week will kick off on October 28 with the Military Appreciation football game against Indiana University. Festivities will continue from November 3 to 11, celebrating military families with members who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces. 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 Events
October 27 — Survey for “Ask a Veteran” panel event
At noon on the HUB-Robeson Center Monumental Steps, student veterans from the Penn State Student Veterans Organization (PSUVO) will help answer community members’ questions about their service, access to academia, and any other questions students, faculty, and staff have. The questions provided will be used in the “Ask the Vet” panel discussion on November 7. Submit questions online.
October 28 — Military Appreciation Tailgate
At 9:00 a.m. (three hours before the noon kickoff) 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. Military members and veterans with valid proof of military service can get complimentary tickets at the door.
October 28 — Military Appreciation Football Game
The noon game will take place at Beaver Stadium. The University will recognize Penn State military families who serve and have served in the U.S. armed forces during the football team’s match with Indiana University.
October 31 — Centre County Proclamation
At 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.
November 3 — Military Appreciation–themed Movie Night with Top Gun: Maverick
At the State Theatre in downtown State College, a social hour will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the movie starting at 8:00 p.m. Join the Penn State Military Appreciation Committee to kick off the 2023 Military Appreciation week with a special showing of Top Gun: Maverick. Proceeds will support the Penn State Military Student Fund. Learn more about the event or purchase tickets.
November 5 — Freedom 5k
Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the race will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Pattee Mall. 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. While the race is free to participate in, donations for Operation Red Wings Foundation will be accepted.
November 7 — “Ask a Veteran” Panel
From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the HUB-Robeson Center in the Flex Theater, The Pennsylvania State University Veterans Organization will host a panel discussion for the community. The discussion will be moderated by members of the PSUVO Executive Board and will include veterans and military-connected students. Watch the livestream.
November 8 — Military Appreciation Luncheon
Penn State employees, students, and community members who served in the military and their families are invited to attend a free luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hintz Alumni Center in 110 Robb Hall. The Penn State Military Appreciation committee will host Maj. Phillip Ealy, U.S. Army, as this year’s guest speaker. Ealy currently serves as a coaching coordinator for the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk National Grant Program at the University’s Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness. Tickets can be reserved online.
November 9 — Military Cultural Competency — Be A Veteran Ally Training Program
Register at IDP: Military Cultural Competency – Be a Veteran Ally (DIV-125). Employees of Penn State can sign up for this virtual training session through the Learning Resource Network in WorkLion.
November 10 — Military Appreciation Breakfast
The annual Penn State Military Appreciation Breakfast will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Heritage Hall at the HUB-Robeson Center to recognize University 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.
November 10 — Veterans Day Ceremony
Join the Penn State community for a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring those who have served in the armed forces from 11:11 a.m. to noon in front of the Old Main steps (rain location will be Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center). The annual ceremony, hosted by the Penn State Student Veterans Organization, will also be livestreamed.
About Penn State’s Military Appreciation Week Committee
The Penn State Military Appreciation Week Committee is composed 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. Support annual events organized by the committee.
For the latest Military Appreciation Week event information, visit the Penn State Military Appreciation website.