Recently, Rotarian Mel Rubenstein introduced University Professor Sean O’Keefe at a Monday luncheon of the DeWitt Rotary. O’Keefe spoke about the concept of a new medical school in Syracuse. Doctors who graduate from this school would serve a specified period of time at a Veterans Administration hospital somewhere in the United States. This is greatly needed and would have national significance.

O’Keefe was speaking to Rotary members about his role as chair of the university committee created to assess the feasibility of establishing a medical school at Syracuse University. Any program that comes out of this endeavor will be designed not to compete with other medical schools in the area. He feels that this program can be transformational for both for SU and the military. However, the financial risks are enormous. Hopefully, a final model will integrate resources and faculty across the university, with the result of sharing programs and expertise that will benefit all involved.

Syracuse University has announced the appointment of O’Keefe as university professor, the 17th person in Syracuse University history to hold the title. O’Keefe previously has held numerous positions in the public and private sectors, including U.S. Department of Defense comptroller, Secretary of the Navy, Deputy Director Office of U.S. Management and Budget, Administrator of NASA, Chancellor of Louisiana State University, CEO of EADS North America / Airbus Group North American Unit and Center for Strategic and International Studies Maxwell School at Syracuse University.