Student Veterans of America Hosts 17th Annual NatCon
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 10, 2025) – Student Veterans of America (SVA) hosted its 17th Annual National Convention, better known as NatCon, from January 2-4, 2025, at the Broadmoor Resort & Convention Center. SVA’s NatCon is the largest gathering of student veterans anywhere in the world and serves as a focal point in the year to share ideas, best practices, and network with student veterans and supporters, as well as corporate, government, and nonprofit partners.
SVA’s NatCon is about community, that’s why we began this year’s NatCon with a community service project with The Mission Continues at The Place. SVA’s mission to build community doesn’t stop on campus or with student veterans, we build and give back to communities wherever we are, and that’s exactly what NatCon attendees had the opportunity to do. Veterans, regardless of how long they have been separated from the military, continue to serve in many capacities helping other veterans and their communities, so SVA decided to give back to those who have given so much. For the second year, NatCon featured a full-service VA Veterans Assistance Expo (Claims Clinic) where veterans can take care of themselves and advocate for their benefits.
SVA kicked off the 17th Annual NatCon with the Opening General Session, sponsored by Disney, welcoming student veterans to both NatCon and a new year filled with potential and possibilities. NatCon attendees listened attentively as the first speaker, SVA’s National President & CEO Jared Lyon, delivered State of SVA remarks. Following Lyon, we heard from amazing speakers from fellow VSOs such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Deputy Director of National Legislative Service, Kristina Keenan, and Chairman of The American Legion, Jay Bowen.
Delivering the inspiring keynote for the session, SMSgt (Ret.) Isreal “DT” Del Toro spoke about resilience, perseverance, and continued service which energized the crowd and set the tone for the upcoming days. To close out the session, Kaliswa Brewster of Playfair Inc. Facilitated an engaging mixer that helped to build camaraderie and community among all NatCon attendees.
Stepping out of the Opening General Session, sponsored by Disney, attendees were welcomed at the opening of the SVA Campus, SVA’s version of an exhibit hall where student veterans, supporters, and our partners mixed and networked. During this time attendees were afforded the opportunity to speak with our corporate, government, and nonprofit partners, make connections, and gather resources necessary for their success. After the campus opening, NatCon continued on with the first set of breakout sessions tailored to the veteran community.
The second day of NatCon began with a morning yoga session for mindfulness facilitated by Veterans Yoga Project, setting the tone for an enriching day ahead. Following the morning exercise and breakfast, the morning General Session sponsored by RTX presented attendees with remarks from government officials and VSO leaders such as: Hon. Denis McDonough, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Hon. James D. Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): Hon. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; Hon. Joshua Jacobs, Under Secretary for Benefits Department of Veterans Affairs; and Michael Rodríguez, resident and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. To close the morning session, Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha who delivered a keynote that wowed the crowd and reminded them that teamwork and community are pivotal to mission success and life.
Later in the day, eight-time SVA Honors Luncheon emcee Jamie Gray Hyder hosted the 17th Annual Honors Luncheon. During this session SVA recognized the annual award winners ranging from our Partners in Excellence to our Student Veteran of the Year. After the luncheon and some breakout session, wear blue: run to remember facilitated an exercise session, this time for remembrance and support, at the Broadmoor around sunset. This sunset run featured a section of trail where remembrance posters lined the path, not only highlighting those who have paid the ultimate price but showed honor and respect for our fallen service members. To close out the day, student veterans had sponsored meals around the Broadmoor at their world-class restaurants and eateries.
The final day of NatCon began with another mindfulness exercise with the Veterans Yoga Project serving as a constant that reminded attendees to care for themselves while in the pursuit of success and achievement. Continuing, day three was filled with informative and inspirational breakout sessions that set the tone for the upcoming year and gave attendees the necessary tools and tactics to make this year better than the previous. Wrapping up the general session and breakouts, Camp Southern Ground facilitated the Closing General Session with an activity that shifted the paradigm of seeking help. Camp Southern Ground concluded with a powerful message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness and they emphasized that resources for veterans are transformative, encouraging attendees to embrace opportunities by reaching out and asking for help.
Closing out the 17th Annual NatCon, SVA hosted the 4th Annual Student Veteran Ball and Reception. Incorporating the tradition of military service balls into NatCon provided an elegant and fitting tribute to all service members, honoring them with the respect they deserve. During the ball we heard from amazing speakers such as Bonnie Carroll, President & Founder at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Austin von Letkemann, active-duty Army officer and social media influencer. Their parting words capitalized on the built-up energy of NatCon and left attendees inspired to take on the challenges they may face throughout the year.
SVA would like to thank everyone who made the 17th Annual NatCon an amazing experience for everyone in attendance. We wish you success in the upcoming year and hope to see you all again at the 18th Annual NatCon which will return to Colorado Springs, CO, at the Broadmoor Resort & Convention Center January 8-10, 2026.
About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.