As one of the best universities for veterans in the West, building community and making connections both on and off campus for veterans is a key priority.
Arts in Service
Running November 4, 5 and 7, Arts in Service will showcase veteran and professional artists, musicians, art educators, and community service providers to deepen understanding of America’s relationship to war, service, and civic responsibility while exploring the theme of “Continuing Service.”
Free and open to the public, the three-day event is presented by Cal Poly Humboldt in partnership with College of the Redwoods, American Legion Arcata Post 274, and California College Corps. California College Corps is a state-funded program dedicated to building the next generation of leaders, through service and community engagement. Arts in Service is the program's all-cohort service event for the Fall 2026 semester.
“America’s veterans offer a model of civic-minded service that each of us can learn from,” said Department of Applied Humanities chair and event organizer Sara Hart. “We hold some truths to be self-evident, and here in Humboldt on the nation’s 250th, we’re celebrating those truths together with veterans – through art, music, dialogue, food, and community engagement.”
Building on the success of 2023’s Arts in Service programming, which drew hundreds of participants into meaningful, hands-on engagement, this year’s expanded event responds to the continuing need for spaces that foster dialogue and collective action. Combining an art and service fair, the program will feature participatory workshops, artist demonstrations, a community volunteer fair, and live performances, creating opportunities for veterans, students, and community members to collaborate across lines of difference. All events are free and open to all.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Dinner & Discussion
5 - 7 p.m.
Arcata Veterans Hall, 1425 J Street, Arcata
Panel discussion featuring veterans speaking on topics of continuing service, followed by dinner and an afterparty until 9 p.m., featuring Idle Spurs, an Americana, country, and blues band.
Thursday, Nov. 5
Philosophy Forum Keynote
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Great Hall, Room 260, Cal Poly Humboldt
“Hope for our Republic: Exploring the Philosophical Foundations of the American Experiment” with Fresno State Philosophy Professor Andrew Fiala.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Arts in Service Fair
Noon - 4 p.m.
Laurel Drive and Jenkins Hall, Cal Poly Humboldt
Veteran artists and organizations, music, food, kids activities, and a volunteer fair. Celebrating veterans, community service, and the arts. US Marine Corps veteran and UC Berkeley ceramicist Ehren Tool will offer cup-making for veterans and their families.
More info and full schedule at humboldt.edu/veterans/arts-service-2026
Thursday, Nov. 12
Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon (for veterans and dependents)
Noon - 3 p.m.
Veterans Office & Interconnected Dependents Center, Lower Library, Room 3, Cal Poly Humboldt
The Veterans Office & Interconnected Dependents Center invites all campus community veterans and dependents to be honored with a lunch. The gathering will include a luncheon, caricature artist, and slideshow recognizing veterans.
Military-affiliated students and staff are encouraged to complete a military service questionnaire in order to honor veterans and service members in a slideshow playing throughout the event.
Podcast: SNAFUBAR: America, Militarism & Myth
Interested in learning more about military history? Historian, veteran and College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Dean Jeff Crane joins forces with Department of Applied Humanities Chair Sara Hart to analyze mishaps and mistakes made throughout U.S. military history. The show’s title stems from two acronyms that came out of military lingo, SNAFU standing for "Situation Normal: All F’d up" and FUBAR standing for "F’d Up Beyond All Recognition".
The show is produced by the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, airs Sundays at 1 p.m. on KHSU and is available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.