Utah State University and Operation Hat Trick

USU ranked third in 2026 among all universities for its Operation Hat Trick brand awareness efforts.

Globe with Arrow Icon  operationhattrick.org 

Since 2018, Utah State University has participated in Operation Hat Trick. Founded by Dot Sheehan in 2007, Operation Hat Trick generates awareness, support, and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. USU ranked third in 2026 among all universities for its Operation Hat Trick brand awareness efforts.

USU was one of seven finalists chosen based on efforts to fully integrate Operation Hat Trick on and off their campuses through a presence in their bookstores and retail outlets; promoting veterans’ causes through their social media properties and advertising campaigns; and generating additional revenue that will be used to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans.

The university received a $15,000 prize donation, which will be awarded to the Rocky Mountain Veterans Center. This most recent donation brings USU’s total contributions to the Rock Mountain Veterans Center to $78,000 over that span.