Oregon State University Announces Veterans Week Events

OSU Kicks Off Week of Events Honoring Veterans

For more than 2,000 students, faculty, and staff with military connections at Oregon State University, this week is a dedicated time for recognition, community, and support. Today, Nov. 5, the university officially kicked off its annual Veterans Week, a series of events leading up to the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11. reported that OSU has observed Veterans Day as an official holiday since 2015, underscoring the university’s commitment to its military-affiliated community. The events, organized through the university’s Military & Veteran Resources, are designed to celebrate service, connect individuals with vital resources, and address the unique challenges veterans may face in their transition to civilian and academic life.

The heart of this week’s activities is the Holcomb Center for Military and Veteran Resources, which serves as the central hub for the university’s military-connected community. The center’s director and staff have worked to create a program that blends celebration with practical support, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members while providing tangible assistance. The scale of the event reflects the university’s deep integration with veterans’ issues. This is more than just a holiday; it’s a comprehensive effort to ensure that those who served feel seen, supported, and valued within the OSU ecosystem.

A Week of Connection and Celebration

The week began on Saturday, Nov. 9, with a Student Veteran Breakfast held at the Holcomb Center. From 9 to 11 a.m., student veterans gathered to enjoy free food in a relaxed atmosphere designed to foster camaraderie and connection. This event sets a tone of welcome and community, providing a space for veterans to connect with peers who share similar life experiences.

The action continues on Monday, Nov. 10, with two key events. The Holcomb Center Veterans Week Resource Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Snell 150. This fair is a cornerstone of the week’s activities, offering a one-stop opportunity for veterans and their families to learn about the wide array of benefits and services available to them. To sweeten the deal, OSU Catering will be providing free street tacos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., adding a touch of festivity to the informative sessions.

Later on Monday, OSU’s campus will also play host to a unique public display of appreciation. A “Thank You for Your Service” lawn sign exhibit will be set up outside AC-1, AC-2, and AC-3. The display features signs created by participating student veterans, who submitted both military and civilian photographs along with a personal favorite quote that was then printed for all to see.

Honoring Service in the Community

The observance culminates on the holiday itself, Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. OSU veterans are invited to participate in the annual Albany Veterans Day Parade, a community-wide celebration of service. The parade, a beloved local tradition, is scheduled to begin precisely at 11:11 a.m. in downtown Albany. Participants will start their journey on Pacific Boulevard, travel down the overpass to Downtown Albany on Lyon Street, turn left onto Second Avenue, proceed to Ferry Street, and finish at the Linn County Courthouse. This public parade allows OSU’s veterans to march alongside fellow service members from across the region, showing their pride and receiving the community’s thanks firsthand.

The Holcomb Center will host a Veterans Week Mental Health & Wellness Day, recognizing the critical importance of psychological support for veterans. The day’s schedule is packed with activities designed to promote healing and connection. It kicks off at 10 a.m. with a facilitated discussion on veteran mental health, led by OSU alumna and former Student Veteran of the Year Angelina Stafford. From noon to 2 p.m., the center will welcome the Welcome Waggers, a program that brings therapy dogs to provide comfort and stress relief. The afternoon continues with a suicide prevention training session from 2 to 3:30 p.m., a vital skill for supporting fellow veterans. The day concludes with a guided walking meditation at 4 p.m., offering a peaceful moment of reflection and mindfulness.

While these events are happening at OSU, the spirit of the week is not confined to the campus. The week will also feature a Veterans Celebration at the SEC Plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 13. This celebration promises a more festive atmosphere, featuring a camo obstacle course and the creation of custom ID tags, providing a fun and interactive way for student veterans to unwind and celebrate their shared experiences.

The week’s activities highlight a key challenge and a corresponding opportunity. The challenge lies in the transition from military to civilian life, a process often accompanied by stress, isolation, and a need for specialized care. The opportunity lies in the power of community and targeted support to ease that transition. By providing dedicated spaces like the Holcomb Center and hosting events that address both the celebratory and the practical, OSU is demonstrating a clear understanding of this dynamic. The university isn’t just acknowledging the service of its veterans; it’s actively working to build the infrastructure that helps them thrive long after they’ve hung up their uniforms.