UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will recognize military service members, veterans and their families with a series of events during the University’s 15th annual Military Appreciation Week, held Nov. 7-14 across University Park and the State College community.
This year’s celebration will honor the service and sacrifice of the nation's military community while commemorating the 35th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm.
Military Appreciation Week Events
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.
Nov. 6 — 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. 7 — Veteran Gravesite Cleanup: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pine Hall Cemetery in State College. Fill out the volunteer form for the Veteran Gravesite Cleanup by Oct. 30.
Nov. 10 — Marine Corps Birthday Celebration: 12:30 p.m. 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. 10 — Painting with Pugs: 6 to 8 p.m. at the Student Veteran Center on the University Park campus. Fill out the Painting with Pugs form to participate. Register by Nov. 6.
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Breakfast: 9 a.m. at Heritage Hall in the HUB. This year marks the 20th annual Military Service Recognition Breakfast honoring Penn State students, faculty and staff who have served in the armed forces. Register here for the Veterans Day Breakfast by Oct. 31.
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 this link. In case of inclement weather, this event will be hosted at Heritage Hall in the HUB on the University Park campus.
Nov. 11 — Zumba Drop-in Fitness Class: 5:30 p.m. at the Intramural Building in room 124 on the University Park campus. Register here for Zumba.
Nov. 12 — 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. To attend, complete the Penn State Military Appreciation Luncheon form. Register by Nov. 5.
Nov. 12 — Trivia Night: 6 p.m.at Antifragile Brewing, 324 E. Calder Way, State College. This is an 18+ event. No registration is required.
Nov. 12 — Men’s Basketball Game vs. Mercyhurst: 6:30 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State Men’s Basketball will host Mercyhurst in its annual Military Appreciation Game. Ticket information will be shared soon.
Nov. 13 — Pickleball Tournament: 1 to 5 p.m. at the East Courts near East Halls on the University Park campus. In case of inclement weather, this event will be hosted at the Intramural Building in room 124 on the University Park campus. Register for the Pickleball Tournament here.
Nov. 14 — Military Appreciation Tailgate: Three 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. Football game tickets are not required for entry to the Military Appreciation Tailgate.
Nov. 14 — 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 Minnesota, honoring service members and veterans with special in-game recognitions and tributes.
Additionally, veterans and service members are invited to help unfurl the American Flag on the field at Beaver Stadium. Tickets to the game are required. To participate, complete the Military Appreciation Flag Unfurling form by Nov. 6.
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) 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.
Other Military Appreciation Athletic Events
Oct. 29 — Women’s Volleyball Match vs. Ohio State: 7 p.m. at Rec Hall. Penn State Women’s Volleyball will host Ohio State for its Military Appreciation match. Discounted ticket information will be shared soon. For Women's Volleyball Match ticket information, click here.
Nov. 27 — Men’s Hockey Game vs. Princeton: 7 p.m. at the Pegula Ice Arena. Penn State Men’s Hockey will host Princeton in its annual Military Appreciation Game. Ticket information will be shared soon.
Additionally, veterans or service members have the opportunity to be recognized during the Men’s Hockey games. If you or someone you know is interested, fill out the Men’s Ice Hockey Community Hero form.
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.