Support Student Veterans in Virtual 5K Ruck 'n Walk Challenge

A campus-wide moment of reflection will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. 

Unfortunately, the University’s traditional on-campus Veterans Day Ceremony has been canceled this year due to COVID-19. But there are still ways the DeSales community can support our student veterans. 

Virtual 5k Ruck 'n Walk Challenge

Students, faculty, and staff are also encouraged to participate in the Academics for Vets First Annual Virtual 5K Ruck ’n Walk Challenge. Registration is free and you can complete the 5K ruck or walk anytime between November 8 and November 15. 

Air Products is sponsoring the event and seven other area colleges and universities are participating. There are prizes for the top male and female ruckers, and the college or university with the most miles submitted will win a plaque, along with bragging rights. 

“We wanted to do something that fostered fellowship with student veterans, particularly now, and to connect them throughout the Lehigh Valley,” says Joann Haws, director of DeSales’ Office of Veterans and Military Services. “It’s been very important to our student veterans and active military students to give back.” 

Student Veteran Supply Donation Drive

Student veterans are also collecting supplies for VALOR Clinic Foundation, a non-profit that aims to improve access to healthcare and shelter for veterans. Donations can be dropped off in the boxes located in the DeSales University Center, Gambet Center, and Dorothy Day. 

VALOR Clinic is in need of the following items: white socks, underwear, brown tarps, flashlights/batteries, deodorant/soap, razors, toothpaste/toothbrushes, candy/gum, wipes, small wash clothes/rags, small tissue packs, duct tape, and Band-Aids/ChapStick.