2023 Veterans Awareness Week

November 6 - 11

Celebrating a decade of honoring our military and veteran community and their families, Kutztown University observes and recognizing National Veterans Awareness Week with a week of activities. 

Hosted by KU’s Military & Veterans Services and partnering campus offices. All events are free and many are open to the public, unless noted. 

JOIN US

Events are subject to change

carnival themed poster with event activities for veterans awareness week
PRE-EVENTS

NATIONAL VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

October 30th to November 3rd | Various dates and times

Virtual

The Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes the annual National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) as a time to celebrate and empower service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs. SBA provides resources and training to connect veterans with the tools they need for their startup.

Visit NVSBW for a complete listing of free training (online and in person) and to register.

Veterans Resources for Entrepreneurs, Veteran Owned LLC Formation & Q&A - Webinar via Zoom

   -  Online

How to Self-Publish Your Book without Breaking the Bank!

   -  Online

Entrepreneurial Training

   -  Online

Access To Capital Event

   -  Online

Military Spouses Pathways to Business Ownership

   -  Online

Federal Contracting: Certifications for Veteran-Owned Small Business

   -  Online

Take Command of Your Future: Explore Business Ownership Through Franchising

   -  Online

Disaster Preparedness

   -  Online

flyer with food items listed for donation to veterans organization Keystone Military Families
DONATION DRIVE FOR VETERANS FOOD PANTRY

October 16th - November 8th

Drop Off Donations:

  *11/9 between 10am-11am, MSU 250 or

  *before 11/9 to MSU 262, Military & Veterans Office

2023 Charitable Organization: Keystone Military Families (KMF)

Keystone Military Families (KMF) provides support to deployed military and their families by sending letters and cards, personal care items, snacks and local favorites to the deployed personnel and logistical, economic support and assistance to dependent families. They shipped 11,000 care packages last year. KMF also operates a food pantry that currently assists over 100 families per week with food, clothing, baby necessities, pet foods, and household goods. This support is available to any Pennsylvania veteran or active duty military in financial crisis. KMF also supports KU military and student veterans with perishable and non-perishable food items.

Every can helps. Will you consider making a food item donation? The most needed items are listed. Many thanks for your support.

A image with flowers on it and the words advertising a Health Expo
2023 Health expo 

Thursday, October 26th | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MSU Multipurpose Room

We are excited to participate in this year's "Health Vibes" expo. Stop by for some fun, interactive and creative tables. Light refreshments available. 

Image with trees in background and priority registration written
spring 2024 priority registration

Thursday, October 26th | View your MYKU portal for your appointment time

Military, Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students Using Benefits are able to register for their classes early if their advisor cleared them to register, they have no registration-holds on their account, and they

  • submitted their fall 2023 enrollment certification form, or
  • submitted their Priority Registration Request form and supporting document, or
  • are enrolled in Army R.O.T.C. classes and submitted the ROTC Priority Registration Form
image with DD 214 Alumni written on it
alumni veteran meet & greet

Saturday, October 28th | During Homecoming!

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

McFarland Student Union, Room 323

The Office of Alumni Engagement has a variety of programming for affinity groups. The Military & Veterans Affinity group event is free of charge; however, registration is required.

  • Stop by and say hello- we'd love to see you and catch up!
  • Receive a token gift
  • Complimentary refreshments

Register Here

flyer with boots and instructions to participate in a ruck and walk event to support equestrian veteran program
2023 ruck 'n walk LEHIGH VALLEY

Saturday, November 4 | 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

W. Bicentennial Park

5351 Park West Lane, Bethlehem, PA 18017

5K Ruck ‘N Walk Lehigh Valley is held annually to honor our veterans and military members, while benefiting an area nonprofit serving our veterans.  The event is open to all student veterans and their families, other students, faculty; Lehigh Valley employers; and the community at large. 

Cost

Individual Veteran Supporters or College/University Team registrations are FREE for the Ruck ‘n Walk, although donations are encouraged for the beneficiary.

Participants who register and make a $30 minimum donation, by October 28, will have the option of an event beanie or water bottle. 

Donation Beneficiary

Shamrock Reins and its special horses foster positive life-changing experiences for Veterans, Active Duty & Reserve Service Members, First Responders, their Families, and the Families of Fallen Heroes. Visit shamrockreins.org to learn more.

Sign Up - No Cost

  • Sign Up Here
  • Select your option: 5K Ruck or Run/Walk option or *1-mile Fun Run/Walk option
  • Choose Team Kutztown University (or you can create your own team)

In Person Race Details:

  • Race Day Check-in: 8 AM-9 AM**
  • 5K begins promptly at 9 AM
  • 1 mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 9:45 AM 
  • The course is an off-road grass course through the scenic W. Bicentennial Park
  • Awards Presentation: 10:30 AM
    • The winning school will be determined by the school/university with the most participants at the event.
    • *The Fun Run/Walk is a non-competitive option with no timing or awards*
  • Community Event featuring music, vendors, and food trucks: 8AM-11AM
  • Day of registration will be available for a $5 fee.

Age Groups: Each race option (Ruck and Run/Walk) will include seven (7) age groups. Ruckers are strongly encouraged to carry a minimum 10% of their body weight. This will be the honor system; we will not be weighing rucksacks this year.

  • 12 and Under
  • 13-18
  • 19-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60+
JOIN US all week
a picture of a man sitting in front of two trees, wearing a blue polo shirt
military & veteran ALUMNI spotlight

Do you want to get to know some amazing alumni? We do too! Everyday during Veterans Awareness Week, we'll feature a KU Alum.

  • Click here to learn more about Kutztown's amazing military and veteran community. 
40% Military Discount with a red star graphic thank you for your service the KU campus store logo
KU CAMPUS STORE 40% DISCOUNT On Apparel And Gifts

Monday – Saturday | 11/6 – 11/11

Campus Store and Online

  • Eligibility: KU Military, Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students, Faculty, and Staff.
  • KU Students using military benefits - present give your KU ID to the cashier to receive your discount
  • KU Military and Veteran Alumni - contact the Veterans Services office to receive discount code
  • All others must provide proof of service (military ID card, DD214, driver's license with a Veteran identifier).
an image of a red, white and blue circle with words Salute to Service
Honoring MILITARY service  DISPLAYS

Monday – Saturday | 11/6 – 11/11 

Several Locations

  • Rohrbach Library Lawn
  • Rohrbach Library Veterans Services Display Case (1st Floor near Book and Brew Coffee Shop)
  • McFarland Student Union Display Case (near Information Desk)
  • Andre Reed Stadium (during Military Appreciation Football Game)
an image with the words Let's Do Lunch on a white background
military and veteran faculty and staff lunch

Monday – Friday | 11/6 – 11/10

South Dining Hall or CUB Cafe (MSU)

  • Enjoy a complimentary lunch on us!
  • Faculty and staff who serve or served in the U.S. Armed Forces will receive an Aramark meal ticket to use during lunch hours at participating on-campus dining locations
  • Dining tickets will be delivered to faculty and staff who self-identified
    • Veteran Staff and Faculty who joined KU within the past year should send an email to veterans@kutztown.edu by 10/25 and a lunch ticket will be reserved for you too!
JOIN US MONDAY
an image with Tuition Assistance and location information
TUITION ASSISTANCE CLINIC

Monday, 11/6 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

IT Training Room, Stratton Administration Building, Room 200

  • Stop by during this time to receive assistance with your Army Ignited (AI) Tuition Assistance Account
    • create your account
    • identify account issues (holds, etc.)
  • Students with AI accounts with accound holds are unable to apply for TA
  • The TA request window opens 60 days before the start of classes (November 23rd for Spring 2024)
JOIN US TUESDAY
ROTC Leadership logo with black and gold
Army ROTC MEET & GREET

Tuesday, 11/7 | 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

223 McFarland Student Union

  • Stop by and meet the new Cadre and current Cadets
  • Learn from student Cadets how they benefit from ROTC
  • Light Refreshments
JOIN US WEDNESDAY
a patriotic background with information for a virtual job fair for veterans
KU VETERANS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

Wednesday, 11/8 | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Partner Event: Career Development Center, West Chester University, East Stroudsburg University

KU students sign up via Mil-Vet D2L Knowledge Center

All others interested in registering, email veterans@kutztown.edu

JOIN US THURSDAY
black image with gold circle on top and the words lets celebrate written in white
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE LUNCHEON

Thursday, 11/9 | 11 a.m. -  12 p.m.

250 McFarland Student Union

A special luncheon to celebrate and recognize the achievements of veteran and military-affiliated students. This event is not open to the public.

Scholarship Presentations

  • American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217
  • Army R.O.T.C. Scholarship Recipients
  • Folds of Honor
  • '98 Veterans Honor Society

Induction Ceremony

  • SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society
screenshot of a play button in front of 4 images of Soldiers, Sailors, Marine and Air Force members
FIRST YEAR SEMINAR - military awareness

Thursday, 11/9 | Various Times and Locations

  • This session is designed to assist military and veteran students who are new to KU to successfully navigate their next steps.
  • Select portions of Green Zone Cultural Awareness Training are introduced to help bridge gaps and foster supportive learning environments.
JOIN US FRIDAY
-Happy Birthday Marine Corps!
Red and white button with Remember Everyone Deployed Written on it.
REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED (R.E.D.) 

Wear on Friday, 11/10 | Purchase Now until 11/9

Purchase RED Buttons: 262 McFarland Student Union (Military & Veterans Services)

  • Support Deployed Troops by wearing RED on Fridays.
  • Purchase your $1 R.E.D. Button.
  • Receive a complimentary hot coffee/tea beverage coupon - use at Book and Brew Cafe (Rohrbach Library, 1st Floor) and Starbucks.
  • 100% proceeds supports the KU Veterans Emergency Fund.
  • Purchase buttons
    • KU Campus Locations only - Pre order buttons by 10/24th for on campus delivery.
    • Military & Veterans Services | 262 MSU between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. until 11/9
  • While supplies last.
JOIN US SATURDAY - HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

an image of the flag on campus. Main street and the bell plaza in the background with fall trees
FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Saturday, 11/11

Raising 8:30 a.m. 

*times are subject to change. Check back the week of the event for set times

Schaeffer Auditorium Courtyard

  • Join the Student Veterans Association and ROTC during their annual flag raising and lowering ceremony to honor Veterans Day.

football players running on the field with the lead player waving an American Flag
MILITARY APPRECIATION FOOTBALL GAME

Saturday, 11/11 | 12 p.m.

Veterans and Military members are provided free admission at ticket booth.

Andre Reed Stadium

  • Kutztown University vs Slippery Rock University
  • Kutztown Pipe Band opens with "America the Beautiful'
  • Army R.O.T.C. Color Guard posts the colors
  • Veteran Alumni Spirit Award presentation
  • Military-Inspired Mime Entertainment
  • Check out Avalanche in his military gear
  • Join KU military pride and fan fare
  • and more...
FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Saturday, 11/11

Raising 8:30 a.m. 

*times are subject to change. Check back the week of the event for set times

Schaeffer Auditorium Courtyard

  • Join the Student Veterans Association and ROTC during their annual flag raising and lowering ceremony to honor Veterans Day.

Ritas Military Discount

Saturday, 11/11

Ritas Kutztown, PA

For veterans and Military

  • Free Red White and Blue 5 Layer Gelati
  • 20% off for Military Members and Veterans

For non-military

  • $5 Red White and Blue Gelati