Events

Every year, UAB Veteran Services hosts a 5K run/walk the Saturday before Veterans Day at 8:00 AM in honor of those who have served. The event is open to UAB students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding Birmingham and veteran community — bringing together hundreds of participants united by a shared commitment to honoring military service.

All proceeds benefit the UAB Veterans Relief Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to military-connected students facing unexpected hardship. Last year's event raised over $20,000 and welcomed more than 1,100 participants.

Whether you run competitively or walk with your family, this event is one of Birmingham's most meaningful Veterans Day traditions.

Held each fall on the UAB campus, the Veterans Expo is a free resource fair designed to connect military-connected students, veterans, and the broader Birmingham community with the services and opportunities they need. From VA representatives who can process disability claims on site, to health insurance enrollment, to employers actively recruiting veteran talent — the Expo brings the resources to you.

Last year's Expo featured more than 60 vendors and served over 300 participants.

Whether you are navigating benefits, exploring career opportunities, or simply looking for community connections, the Veterans Expo is built for you.

Each Veterans Day, UAB Veteran Services hosts a Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Hill Student Center Ballrooms — UAB's sole official Veterans Day observance. The ceremony honors the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform and is open to the entire UAB community and general public.

The Wreath Laying Ceremony is a moment for UAB to pause, reflect, and pay its respects together. All are welcome.

Green Zone Training is UAB Veteran Services' professional development program for faculty, staff, and administrators who want to better understand and support military-connected students. Participants learn who military-connected students are, how their service may shape their academic experience, and how to create a more welcoming and informed campus environment.

Green Zone Training is offered on an ongoing basis throughout the year and can be requested by academic departments, colleges, and campus partners. If you are interested in scheduling a session for your team, contact our office.

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Phone: (205) 934-8804

Each semester, the week before commencement, UAB Veteran Services hosts the Coins & Cords Graduation Dinner to honor military-connected students who are crossing the finish line. Graduating students are invited to bring family and friends to celebrate their achievement alongside their military-connected peers.

Every graduating military-connected student receives a graduation cord — red, white, and blue — worn at commencement as a symbol of UAB's gratitude and respect for their service and academic commitment.

Graduating students with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher are also awarded a UAB Veteran Services challenge coin — a specially designed coin that recognizes both their military service and their academic excellence. Students who are unable to attend in person will have their coin mailed to them.

The Coins & Cords Dinner is more than a recognition event — it is a celebration of what it means to serve your country and earn your degree.