Saturday was Military Appreciation Day at Beaver Stadium, and prior to the game more than 10,000 veterans took part in a special tailgate inside the Bryce Jordan Center.
As part of the event, which was the culmination of Military Appreciation Week activities on the Penn State campus and in State College, representatives from downtown businesses presented Penn State President Eric Barron with a donation of $6,778 for the Military Student Fund.
Established in 2014, the Penn State Military Student Fund has awarded nearly $36,000 in scholarships to 19 students. The fund is a nonendowed scholarship, with 100 percent of the proceeds distributed each year to military-affiliated students at any Penn State location who are in need of financial assistance.
‘The Penn State Student Military Fund gives out more than just scholarships,’ said Downtown State College Improvement District Executive Director Irene Miller. ‘It is an investment in those who have already given so much for us. While they are away from their families, ensuring our democracy is preserved, we are free to follow our dreams. For many in the downtown area, that means the freedom to pursue a very particular American dream – owning and running a small business.”
More than 40 local businesses, organizations and individuals contributed to the donation.
On Nov. 3, Military Appreciation Week kicked off with DSCID’s First Friday, as the monthly celebration had a military theme and included American Legion Post 245’s honor guard, patriotic musical performances, an LED light show, appearances by Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty and remarks by Barron.
Participating businesses gave a portion of their sales during First Friday to the Military Student Fund donation.
A 25-foot U.S. flag flew over South Allen Street and attendees signed a giant thank you card to display at the Veterans Tailgate.
“This was our community’s way of showing their appreciation in a physical way, out loud, in person, on Allen Street,’ Miller said, adding that numerous local businesses offer discounts to military members.
