Navy Veteran, RCC Student Chosen for National Leadership Institute

Medford, Oregon- Christopher Stucke, a Navy veteran and student at Rogue Community College, has been selected to attend the Student Veterans of America (SVA) Leadership Institute, a prestigious national program recognizing emerging leaders in the veteran community.

The event will be held Oct. 15–19 in Washington, D.C., and brings together top student veterans from across the country for leadership development, networking, and advocacy training.

Stucke, 31, of Grants Pass, served 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a naval aircrewman and aviation rescue swimmer, leaving the service as a petty officer second class (E-5). His crew participated in aerial firefighting operations in Southern California.

After leaving the military, Stucke enrolled at Rogue Community College in 2024, pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree with plans to attend the University of Oregon to study business. He currently serves as president of RCC’s Student Veterans Organization (SVO), the college’s chapter of Student Veterans of America.

“This year’s process was highly competitive, and you stood out as an ideal candidate for this prestigious experience,” read Stucke’s acceptance letter from SVA. “Your acceptance into this esteemed program is a testament to your leadership, dedication, and potential.”

As SVO president, Stucke works to support fellow student veterans, helping them navigate educational benefits, connect with resources, and raise awareness of veteran issues on campus.

“Being accepted into the SVA Leadership Institute is a tremendous opportunity to connect with fellow student veterans and gain the skills to make a greater impact,” Stucke said. “I’m grateful for the support from RCC and excited to bring back what I learn to strengthen our campus veteran community.”

The SVA Leadership Institute provides participants with intensive training in leadership, communication, and advocacy, along with opportunities to engage with policymakers and industry leaders. The national network includes more than 1,600 campus chapters and represents nearly 600,000 student veterans and their families.

Stucke’s selection underscores Rogue Community College’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-affiliated students through its Military/Veterans Resource Centers, which offer academic advising, career counseling, and a welcoming environment for transitioning service members and their families. The college serves about 230 students using veterans benefits each term.

“We are incredibly proud of Chris and the example he sets for our veteran students,” said RCC President Randy Weber. “Programs like the SVA Leadership Institute align perfectly with our mission to empower veterans to thrive academically and professionally.”

For more information about Rogue Community College’s veteran and military services, visit www.roguecc.edu/military.


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