Campus Life

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its annual Military Appreciation week with Military Appreciation events on Nov. 7-14, honoring 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.

The weeklong celebration will recognize veterans, active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, military families, and Penn State's military-connected community through a series of events designed to honor their service. Members of the Penn State community and the public are invited to participate in activities throughout the week.

Military Appreciation Week will conclude on Saturday, Nov. 14, with additional recognition activities honoring service members, veterans and military families.

"This year marks two meaningful milestones as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Penn State's Military Appreciation events and recognize the 35th anniversary of the end of Operation Desert Storm," said Eugene McFeely, Penn State's senior director for Veterans Affairs and Services. "Military Appreciation Week is an opportunity to honor the service, sacrifice and resilience of our military community while bringing the Penn State family together in recognition of those who have served our nation."

Planned events throughout the week include veterans banner displays, community service opportunities such as a cemetery cleanup, local proclamations recognizing Military Appreciation Week, recreational activities, social events and opportunities for community engagement. A complete schedule of events will be available this fall.

Penn State launched its Military Appreciation events in 2012 and has continued to expand the tradition over the past 15 years. Today, the University supports thousands of military-connected students, faculty, staff and alumni through programs and services that promote academic success, career readiness and community.

Members of the Penn State community — including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their families — are encouraged to submit a profile of service to honor the military experience of themselves or a loved one. These profiles help share the stories of service, dedication, and sacrifice from across the Penn State family and are featured on the Penn State Military Appreciation website.

Penn State provides multiple programs and resources to support the military community like the training opportunities for veterans interested in joining America's semiconductor workforce. Community members can make a donation to support a range of scholarships and programs at Penn State that support student veterans and service members, military dependents, military appreciation events and more.