UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Continuing a long-standing support of military-connected students, Walmart and Sam’s Club have reaffirmed their connection with Penn State by contributing $45,000 in scholarship funding this year. The new gift, announced during the 14th annual Military Appreciation Week on Nov. 8 underscores the companies’ deep commitment to supporting the University’s military-connected community.
The contribution builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Walmart, Sam’s Club and the University to celebrate veterans, service members and their families. Through Walmart’s community-giving program, the latest funding will provide scholarships to eligible Penn State students who are veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard or Reserve personnel, or dependents of those who have served.
“Supporting military families in their educational pursuits is an extension of Walmart’s purpose to help people live better,” said Michael del Rosario, regional transportation manager for Walmart. “We’re proud to continue working alongside Penn State to reduce financial barriers and empower students with the resources they need to thrive.”
Recipients will be selected based on documented financial need and military affiliation; awards are intended to help cover tuition, housing or other expenses not fully offset by the GI Bill or other military education benefits. The scholarship funds will be distributed during the 2025-26 academic year to ensure timely support for students already enrolled or preparing to enroll.
“Penn State is proud to once again partner with Walmart and Sam’s Club to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military community,” said Eugene McFeely, Penn State's senior director for Veterans Affairs and Services. “Their partnership allows us to expand our outreach and ensure that the Penn State community can come together to show genuine appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military members, veterans, and their loved ones.”
Since 2013, Walmart has sponsored Penn State’s Military Appreciation Tailgate, offering complimentary meals to thousands of attendees and rallying hundreds of employee volunteers. In 2025’s event, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates and their families helped serve our military guests at the largest military appreciation gathering in the Big Ten.
Nationwide, Walmart’s initiatives to support the military community go well beyond Penn State. In the previous fiscal year, they spent more than $1.2 billion with veteran-owned businesses. Since 2013, the retailer has hired more than 500,000 veterans and military spouses.
Inside Penn State, the Office of Veterans Affairs and Services remain committed to supporting military-connected students across its campuses through advising, financial-aid guidance, peer mentoring and programs anchored at the Student Veteran Center.
Through partnerships such as this, Penn State advances its land-grant mission of service, empowering military-connected students and their families to achieve lifelong success. For more information on supporting veterans and military students at the University, visit raise.psu.edu.
About Penn State Military Appreciation
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. Visit this link to help support annual events organized by the Penn State Military Appreciation Committee.
For the latest Military Appreciation Week event information, visit the Penn State Military Appreciation website.