Student Leadership Conference Announces 2012 Keynote Speakers

The first annual Student Leadership Conference on February 25, 2012 will feature motivational speaker Jon Vroman, as its opening keynote speaker for the conference, and SU alum and medical student, Sean Haley '10, as its closing keynote speaker.

About Jon Vroman

For over two decades now, Jon Vroman has been sought after by colleges and corporations throughout the US, Europe and Canada for his ability to inspire, instruct and encourage students to “live life in the front row.” His expertise is requested when campus leaders need informational and inspirational messages on leadership strategies, communication skills, personal development and social responsibility.

Most impressive is Jon’s desire to serve others. In 2005, Jon founded the charitable organization Front Row Foundation, which provides children and adults with life threatening illnesses the opportunity to see the concert, sporting event or live performance of their dreams from the front row.

Jon resides in New Jersey with his wife and son.

About Sean Haley

Sean Haley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University in May 2010 with a bachelors of science in biology and a minor in Mathematics. He is now in his second year of a dual-degree program at SUNY Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University, pursuing a doctorate of medicine and a masters in public health. 

While at SU, Sean was actively involved in campus life as the director of University 100, founder and director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, vice-president of the Syracuse University Club Golf team, and a member of the 2009 Homecoming Court. Additionally, he volunteered throughout the community as a mentor and tutor, and also as a Young Life leader.

In his senior year, after spending the summer working at Columbia Presbyterian Children’s Hospital and then travelling to rural El Salvador, Sean began to develop an ever-growing passion for under-represented and under-served populations. After finding his niche in Syracuse, Sean began working with Nicole Watts on a plan to serve the resettled refugee population in Syracuse. Through this partnership, Hopeprint was born. Sean now serves as the vice-chairman on the Board of Directors for Hopeprint, which seeks to empower the refugee community after they have been resettled in Syracuse, through English classes, life-coaches, job training, college prep courses, nutrition programs and social advocacy.

Sean additionally serves as the head coordinator for SUNY Upstate’s Refugee Intake Clinic, a member of the Refugee Health Task Force of Onondaga County, SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Presidential Ambassador for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and as a student service learning leader for SUNY Upstate’s Center for Civic Engagement. 

The Student Leadership Conference is being organized by Syracuse University students who participate in the Student Leadership Institute, a program within the Office of Student Activities. SU students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, are encouraged to present at the conference (Click here to submit proposals). Final submissions are due by Jan. 23, 2012. Students should register in advance at students.syr.edu/slcregistration.