Utah Valley University is hosting a series of community events for veterans and their families, including a blood drive on Monday, Nov. 9, and a Veterans Day brunch on Nov. 11. The programming follows the university's inclusion in U.S. Veterans Magazine's 2026 list of Top Veteran Schools, which recognizes institutions committed to the success of the military community.
Upcoming Veteran Events
The Military-Affiliated Student Hub (MASH) at Utah Valley University has scheduled several activities to engage the military-affiliated community. On Monday, Nov. 9, MASH is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carrol Reid Atrium on the 4th floor of the Losee Center. According to the university, the event is open to everyone, and donors will receive a food voucher and a Megaplex gift card as a thank-you for their contribution.
Celebrating the Marine Corps
The university's week of recognition continues with several specialized events scheduled for the following days. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the community is invited to celebrate the United States Marine Corps birthday from 11 a.m. at LC 303. The event will feature refreshments and provides an opportunity for students, veterans, and service members to connect and honor the history of the Corps.
Veterans Day Brunch Details
The centerpiece of the week's honors will be the annual UVU MASH Veterans Day Brunch, held on Thursday, Nov. 12. Scheduled from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the UVU Grand Ballroom, the event offers a free breakfast accompanied by a panel discussion titled "One Team, Many Perspectives: Finding Belonging Through a Shared Purpose." This discussion will feature military-affiliated community members sharing their personal experiences.
Wellness and Field Rations
On Thursday, Nov. 12, the university has organized several distinct activities for the community. The UVU Health and Wellness Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hall of Flags, offering free popcorn, swag, and access to various vendors and military-affiliated organizations to support student well-being. Additionally, the university will host an MRE Tasters Table from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in LC 303 and the LA Hallway, allowing participants to sample Meals Ready to Eat to experience what service members eat in the field.
Ruck for Gratitude
Another major activity scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, is the Ruck for Gratitude. Starting at 8:30 a.m. at the UVU doTerra Dome, participants will participate in a 4-mile ruck to honor the military. The event involves filling a pack with canned food donations and walking 2 miles south before unloading the donations and walking back to the dome.
National Recognition
The university's focus on military-affiliated students aligns with recent national recognition. In a report published on Nov. 2, 2026, U.S. Veterans Magazine presented its 2026 Top Veteran Schools list. This recognition is part of a broader initiative by the magazine to identify colleges and universities that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to serving the military community, including veterans, transitioning service members, and military-connected families.
Educational Excellence for Veterans
According to U.S. Veterans Magazine, the 2026 honorees represent a variety of industries and sectors. The publication aims to provide a trusted resource for military-connected individuals to find environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive. The list of recognized institutions includes a wide range of schools, from large state universities to technical and community colleges, highlighting a diverse landscape of educational support for veterans across the country.
