UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will recognize military service members, veterans and their families with a series of events during the University’s 14th annual Military Appreciation Week, held Nov. 7–16 across University Park and the State College community.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public — including veterans, service members, and their families — as well as Penn State students, faculty and staff.
This year’s celebration will highlight Medal of Honor recipients, including Penn State alumnus LT. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Afghanistan.
Military Appreciation Week Events
Nov. 7 — Women’s Basketball Game vs. Cincinnati: 6 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. Cheer on the Lady Lions as they host Cincinnati during the annual Military Appreciation Game. Complimentary tickets are being offered for service members. For ticket information, please click here.
Nov. 7 — Military Banner Unveiling: 6 p.m. by invitation only in downtown State College. The Downtown State College Improvement District and Penn State Military Appreciation Committee will unveil new military banners honoring local veterans and service members.
Nov. 8 — Military Appreciation Tailgate: 3 hours before kickoff at the Bryce Jordan Center. Open to military families, this annual tailgate celebrates the military community with food, family friendly activities, and special guests.
Nov. 8 — Military Appreciation Football Game: The game will take place at West Shore Field at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff will be announced closer to the game. Penn State football will host its annual Military Appreciation Game against Indiana, honoring service members and veterans with special in-game recognitions and tributes. The Centre Area Transportation Authority will provide free gameday shuttles for service members with valid ID. The shuttles will run roundtrip from Hills Plaza along South Atherton Street and around downtown State College to Beaver Stadium. Shuttle service will begin three hours before kickoff and end one hour after the conclusion of the game.
Nov. 10 — Marine Corps Birthday Celebration: Noon at the Student Veterans Center, room 100 in Ritenour Building. Join the Penn State Student Veterans Organization to celebrate the 250th Marine Corps birthday with refreshments and camaraderie.
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Breakfast: 9 a.m. at Heritage Hall in the HUB. The annual Military Service Recognition Breakfast honors Penn State students, faculty and staff who have served in the armed forces. Register here by Nov. 1.
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Ceremony: 11:11 a.m. at the Old Main Plaza. Join the Penn State community to honor those who have served. The ceremony, hosted by the Student Veterans Organization, will also be live streamed at watch.psu.edu/MAW.
Nov. 11 — Men’s Basketball Game vs. Navy: 6:30 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State Men’s Basketball will host the Navy in its annual Military Appreciation Game. Complimentary tickets are being offered for service members. For ticket information, please click here.
Nov. 12 — Pour Paints & Poppies: 6 p.m. at the Woskob Family Gallery in the Penn State Downtown Theatre. A creative evening of art and reflection honoring military service members. Register here. More information here.
Nov. 13 — Military Appreciation Luncheon: Noon at the Hintz Alumni Center in 110 Robb Hall. Penn State students, employees and community members who have served are invited to attend this annual luncheon hosted by the Military Appreciation Committee. Register here.
Nov. 13 — Trivia Night: 6 p.m. at Antifragile Brewing, 324 E. Calder Way. Join fellow community members for a fun, military-themed trivia night.
Nov. 16 — Women’s Volleyball Match vs. Ohio State: 2 p.m. at Rec Hall. Penn State Women’s Volleyball will host Ohio State for its Military Appreciation match. Tickets will be discounted for military members. For ticket information, please click here.
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 long history of support for service members, veterans and military families.
For more than a decade, the committee has organized Military Appreciation Week in collaboration with community partners, student organizations, Penn State Athletics and local veterans’ groups.
For detailed event information and registration links, visit the Penn State Military Appreciation website.