The University of Notre Dame's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of one of our own, Finn O'Brien, who has been selected as a 2025 National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) Leadership Fellow.
Finn's connection to the military community runs deep. Born on Camp Lejeune, NC, he enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately after graduating high school, dedicating four years to active duty before transitioning to the Marine Reserves to pursue his studies at Notre Dame. Now a freshman studying Philosophy, Finn's commitment to service has continued seamlessly into his civilian life.
Beyond his academic pursuits and Marine Reserve duties, Finn has demonstrated exceptional leadership within our Notre Dame community. He has been instrumental in developing and leading impactful on-campus events that foster a stronger and more connected environment for our student veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents. His efforts, including helping spearhead the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, have directly contributed to the growth and strengthening of our military-connected family on campus. Leveraging his Marine Corps experience, he is also currently instructing NROTC midshipmen on the intricacies and operation of medium machine guns, providing invaluable hands-on training and mentorship to the future officers of our nation's Navy and Marine Corps. In his free time, Finn enjoys reading, working outdoors, and spending time with friends, showcasing a well-rounded approach to his Notre Dame experience. Looking ahead, Finn aspires to return to active-duty service following his graduation, demonstrating a continued dedication to serving his country.
The NVLF Leadership Fellows program identifies outstanding military-connected student leaders from across the nation, providing them with leadership development and service-focused programming throughout the year. Finn's selection is a testament to the positive impact he is already making within our Notre Dame community and his inherent leadership qualities.
"Finn's passion for serving his fellow military-connected students is truly inspiring," says Michael Labbe, Assistant Director of Military & Veterans Affairs. "He embodies the spirit of service and leadership that we value deeply at Notre Dame. We are incredibly proud of his selection as an NVLF Leadership Fellow and look forward to witnessing his continued growth and contributions."
Join us in congratulating Finn O'Brien on this well-deserved honor! His dedication exemplifies the strength and commitment of our military-connected students and the positive impact they have on our entire university community. We are excited to see the great things Finn will accomplish as a Leadership Fellow and beyond.