Ryan O’Keefe selected as Student Veteran of American Leadership |

Stony Brook University student veteran Ryan O’Keefe was recently selected to participate in the Student Veteran Leadership Institute of America.

O’Keefe, a senior in the College of Business who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was selected as an SVA Leadership Fellow, receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for a weekend of networking and intensive leadership training.

The SVA Leadership Institute brings together America’s top SVA leaders through immersive experiences designed to equip future leaders to serve and build a lasting community that will make an impact.

O’Keefe is a respected member of Stony Brook’s Military & Veteran Student Services team. He works as a student and intern, is a Vets-4-Vets teacher, is the treasurer of the Veterans Student Organization (VESO) and participated in the recognition of SBU as a Silver Military Friendship School in 2022-2023. O’Keefe will also be this year’s emcee at the university’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Fellows are coached directly by SVA alumni mentors in groups of 10 on leadership, personal branding, relationship building, and driving impact. SVA National Headquarters staff updated attendees on the latest developments in national politics and advocacy by student veterans, supporters and allies.

Fellows also participated in virtual discussions and team-building activities with mentors and leaders in business, nonprofits, and advocacy.

While in Washington, O’Keefe visited the White House and the National Mall, and met with representatives of the US Department of Veterans Affairs.