Penn State Worthington Scranton has always been welcoming to veterans, but this year, the campus has expanded its efforts to reach out to military veterans and their families, letting them know of the opportunities available to them on campus.
The campus has designated the week of Nov. 4 through 14 as Military Appreciation Week and a full slate of events has been organized to celebrate, including the ribbon cutting for a new Veteran's Lounge in the Dawson Building.
Festivities will kick off with a Veteran's Memorial Run on Saturday, Nov. 5 starting at the VFW in Jefferson Township. This event is being hosted by veteran Jason VanWert, with proceeds from the race benefitting U.S. veterans.
Anyone interested in participating in the race can contact PSWS Veteran's Coordinator Mary Beth Benedict at [email protected] or visit the Veterans Memorial Run Facebook page.
There is a registration fee of $25 and people can even register the day of the event.
If running isn't your thing, there will be a Military Recognition Basketball Game on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the campus' Multipurpose Building.
On Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. the official opening and ribbon cutting of the new Veterans Lounge in Dawson 17 will be held, with light refreshments served. The new lounge will be a special place for veterans to call their own -- whether it be to study, socialize or just relax.
The campus will also celebrate its annual Flag Ceremony that day at the campus' entrance with guests from the Dickson City American Legion.
The week will close with a Veterans Appreciation Luncehon on Monday, Nov. 14 in the newly refurbished Sherbine Lounge in the Study Learning Center.
Judah Whitney, a PSWS alumnus and veteran, will speak on transitioning from military to civilian life as a student.
A retired lieutenant colonel who served for 32 years with the National Guard, Whitney currently works as a transitioning senior military leader.
This special week of events follows this past spring's first-ever Military Family Appreciation Day that PSWS hosted to reach out to veterans and make them aware of the resources and opportunities the campus has to offer.
At that one-day event, military personnel, veterans and their families and friends, enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities, from yard games to basketball and even face painting.
Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities for veterans at Penn State Worthington Scranton can call Mary Beth Benedict at 570-963-2692 or our Admissions Office at 570-963-2500.
