UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Military Appreciation Committee and Penn State Alumni Association are now accepting applications for the 2026 alumni military banner display.
The display returns after a successful inaugural year where 20 banners recognizing Penn State veterans and active-duty service members adorned light poles along College Avenue at Penn State University Park during the month of November.
Banners purchased in 2026 will remain on display throughout the months of November and December, after which they will be returned to purchasers.
Each military honor banner is dedicated to one Penn Stater, showcasing their name, graduation information, military service and a portrait in their military uniform. The banners will hang on the Penn State side of College Avenue, starting at North Burrowes Street and ending at Shortlidge Road. Penn State staff members will select where each banner is displayed along College Avenue.
Interested participants can nominate alumni service members online. Eligibility includes Penn State University Park and Penn State World Campus alumni who are veterans or actively serving in the active or reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit this page for full nomination information.
Sponsorships cost $400, which covers the production of the banner and the shipment to sponsors, as well as a donation to the Penn State Military Student Fund, which provides recognition and financial assistance for outstanding active-duty military service members, veterans and their dependents. All funds raised directly benefit military-connected students at all Penn State campuses, including World Campus.
Individuals and Penn State academic units can sponsor a Penn Stater on a banner by filling out a nomination form. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to order a banner is Sept. 1 or until all spots are filled. If Penn State is unable to accommodate a banner request for 2026, applicants can request to join a waiting list for 2027.
Eugene McFeely, senior director of veterans affairs and services at Penn State and chair of the Military Appreciation Committee, reflected on the inaugural hanging of the banners.
“The launch of the Penn State Military Alumni Banner program was an overwhelming success with Penn State families, alumni, colleges, and units sponsoring banners to honor and recognize their service member and veteran alumni,” McFeely said. “As an alumnus and veteran, it is humbling to see the level of support our military-connected students receive at Penn State and to have the service and sacrifice of our service members and veteran alumni recognized in this way.”
Military appreciation at Penn State
Penn State has a longstanding and proud tradition of serving the men and women of our military through education benefits, resources, support and more.
Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni with military connections can submit a profile of service for the opportunity to be featured on the University’s Military Appreciation website and other materials. Visit militaryappreciation.psu.edu to learn more.