The Veteran

July 2026  Newsletter

The VRC was proud to celebrate our graduating Veteran and military-affiliated students at this year’s Veterans Commencement Ceremony. It was a meaningful afternoon filled with community, recognition, and celebration as we honored students who completed their degrees in Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to support our graduates and help make the event special. Congratulations again to all of our graduates. We are proud of your hard work, your accomplishments, and everything you bring to the PSU community. 💚

The VRC wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day. As we celebrate the holiday, we hope you take time to rest, enjoy time with family and friends, and reflect on the meaning of service, freedom, and community. We are especially grateful for our Veteran and military-affiliated students, staff, and families whose service and sacrifices continue to make a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of the PSU and VRC community. 💚

Please remember that the VRC will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the holiday weekend.

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor people with disabilities and their experiences, identities, and contributions. Disability Pride is about visibility, inclusion, access, and reminding our community that disability is not something to hide or be ashamed of.

Summer term can be busy, hot, and fast-paced, but the VRC is here to help you get through it. Stop by to cool off, study, use the computers, grab coffee, or take a break between classes. We’ll also have VRC Movie Days for students who want to relax with snacks and a movie, plus the VRC Mind Spa for anyone who needs a quiet space to reset and recharge.

Tutor.com is available for PSU veterans, military-affiliated students, and students using VA education benefits. This free tutoring resource can help with writing, math, business courses, study support, and more. Eligible students can complete the Google Form linked below to sign up and get connected with tutoring support. Students using any VA education benefit at PSU are eligible.

The VRC is offering summer acupuncture sessions for students looking to relax, reset, and take a break during the term. Stop by for ear acupuncture and a quiet wellness moment in the VRC space.

Summer Dates:
July 7, July 14, and July 21
Time: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: SMSU Basement, Room 018

August dates are still to be determined, so keep an eye out for future updates.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Veterans Resource Center during PSU’s Day of Giving. Because of your generosity, the VRC reached its match goal of over 50 donors, unlocking a $5,000 matching gift from Wells Fargo.

Your gifts directly support the VRC and help us continue serving Veteran and military-affiliated students. Some of the funds have already been used to replenish the VRC food pantry, helping make sure students have increased food security and are fed and ready to learn.

Donors will also be receiving thank-you cards featuring the VRC’s new branding, created with support from VRC Work Study alum Arven Bunao. You can read more about Arven’s work and the new branding in his LinkedIn article. We are grateful for the community that continues to show up for our students and invest in the work of the VRC.

PSU has two Mind Spa spaces available for students: one at the Veterans Resource Center and one through SHAC. The VRC Mind Spa is open on a walk-in basis, giving students a quiet place to relax. Students who want to use the SHAC Mind Spa can make a reservation online. SHAC also offers a Wellness Lounge and a Nap Room, giving students even more options to rest and recharge when they need a break. Whether you need a few minutes of quiet, a space to breathe, or a chance to reset between classes, these resources are here to support you.

Take a break from the summer heat and stop by the VRC for our Ice Cream Social on Monday, July 7, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Come hang out, cool off, grab some ice cream, and connect with other students in the center. Whether you are between classes, on campus for the day, or just need a quick break, we would love to see you there.

The VRC will be hosting two Wounded Warrior Project events in July for student veterans and veteran-connected students. These events will provide space for connection, conversation, peer support, and learning more about veteran policy issues.

Wounded Warrior Project Peer Support Meeting 
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
5:30–6:30 PM
VRC, SMSU 018

This will be a casual sit-down space for students to connect, talk, and learn more about the support Wounded Warrior Project offers. No registration is needed for this meeting.

Veterans Policy Warrior Roundtable 🇺🇸
Wednesday, July 23, 2026

Wounded Warrior Project will also host a Veterans Policy Warrior Roundtable at PSU. This larger event will focus on veteran policy issues and community discussion. Local congressional staff and other guests may be in attendance. Interested students will need to sign up in advance. Look out on our social media to get notified when registration is live.

The VRC will be closed on the following summer dates. Please plan ahead for any in-person visits, questions, or resource needs.

Friday, July 3
Monday, September 7