The Veteran

May Mid-Month 2026  Newsletter

As we wrap up the spring term, we want to take a moment to recognize all the hard work, dedication, and resilience our veteran and military affiliated students have shown throughout the term. Whether you’re preparing for finals, completing projects, or simply trying to make it through the busy end-of-term rush, remember to give yourself credit for how far you’ve come. Every assignment submitted, class attended, and challenge overcome is something to be proud of.

The Veterans Resource Center is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help finding resources, a quiet place to study, or just a supportive community to lean on, don’t hesitate to stop by. As the term comes to a close, remember to take care of yourself, stay focused, and finish strong, we’re cheering you on!💚

Veterans hold a special place at the heart of PSU, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduating Veteran and military-affiliated students.

This year’s Veterans Commencement Ceremony will honor students who graduated in Fall 2025, Winter 2026, or who have applied to graduate in Spring or Summer 2026. This event is separate from PSU’s larger commencement ceremonies and offers a more intimate space to celebrate with the VRC community.

All participants in the ceremony will receive Veteran graduation cords. Students who choose not to participate may still request a cord, with pick-up beginning June 2.

📅 Date: June 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00–5:00 PM
📍 Location: Native American Student and Community Center (710 SW Jackson St, Portland, OR 97201)

📝 Registration Deadline: End of day June 1, 2026

We look forward to honoring your accomplishments and celebrating this milestone with you!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities, including those who have served in the military. We encourage you to explore campus events and reflect on the impact of AAPI veterans in our community.

Join us in honoring and uplifting AAPI voices this month as we continue building a more inclusive and supportive VRC community✨

We’ve got another opportunity to step outside the stress and into something grounding, creative, and community-centered. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, try something new, or just vibe with good people, VetREST has you covered.

Come to one or pull up to both, either way, we’d love to see you there. Find your ecosystem 🌱

Kokedama Workshop🪴

The following week, keep the energy going with a relaxing session in traditional Japanese plant art. You’ll make your own moss ball plant to bring a little calm and greenery into your space.
📅 Monday, May 18
🕒 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
📍 PSU VRC

Wednesday, May 20th from 11AM-12:45PM

Join us here at the VRC on Wednesday, May 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for a special event commemorating Memorial Day. This gathering is an opportunity for students, staff, veterans, and community members to come together in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. A POW/MIA table will also be displayed to honor and remember those who never made it home. We invite you to spend time in reflection, community, and gratitude as we recognize the meaning of Memorial Day together. Lunch will be provided.

Friday, May 22nd at 10AM

Honor and remember those who served with a workout built around strength, resilience, and community. Join the PSU Veterans Resource Center on Friday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Stott Community Field for a Memorial Day AMRAP workout featuring a 400-meter run, push-ups, burpees, air squats, and planks. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to move your body and connect with fellow students and veterans, all fitness levels are welcome. Come break a sweat with us and kick off Memorial Day weekend together!

Honor Memorial Day with the PSU Veterans Resource Center as we come together for remembrance, community, and service. While the PSU campus and VRC will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, we encourage students, families, and supporters to participate in meaningful community events throughout the day.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring Memorial Day through reflection, remembrance, and community engagement.

Join the Do Good Multnomah Ruck 

Monday, May 25th 8am

Participants can register as part of the PSU VRC team and choose between 3, 6, or 12 mile ruck options. Do Good Multnomah encourages participants to fill their rucks with hygiene items to donate to local shelters, though all experience and comfort levels are welcome. This is a family-friendly event, and leashed dogs are welcome too.

Volunteer Along the Route

Monday, May 25th 8am

Students and community members can volunteer at Registration Tables or Water Stations alongside the Travis Manion Foundation. This service opportunity honors the life and legacy of SPC Zandra Walker. Volunteer shifts include breakfast, coffee, and lunch. Registration Table volunteers will begin earlier in the morning than Water Table volunteers.

There's still time to take advantage of free auricular acupuncture treatments for veterans, facilitated by Dr. Cynthia Ferrier, MD!

This 30-minute treatment focuses solely on the external portion of the ears and has been shown to help reduce symptoms associated with PTSD, including anxiety, insomnia, and hyperarousal. Last appointments are available between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on May 19th, May 26th, and June 2nd. Take a step toward relaxation and healing, reserve your appointment today at the VRC (SMSU Basement, Room #018) 

To learn more about how acupuncture is being used to support veterans with PTSD, read the VA’s article 

The VRC is gathering brief feedback to help us improve services and explore new wellness offerings. This short, anonymous survey takes about 3 minutes to complete.

Your input directly informs programming, space use, and future offerings in the VRC.

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective

The VRC will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day