Join the SAME Blue Ridge Post for the 5th Annual STEM Celebration and Meet the New District Commander, bringing together students, military leaders, mentors, educators, and members of the A/E/C industry to celebrate and support the next generation of engineers and STEM professionals.
This special luncheon is about more than recognizing outstanding students. It is designed to create meaningful conversations around mentorship, education, internships, career pathways, and the many ways our military, government, and industry partners can help young people imagine what is possible.
The program will feature student presentations from SAME Engineering & Construction Camp participants, recognition of the Blue Ridge Post’s 2026 college scholarship recipients, an introduction to the new Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, a featured mentor panel, and career pathway insights from leading industry firms.
Whether you are a student exploring your future, an established professional ready to share your experience, or an organization looking to support and develop the next generation of talent, we invite you to be part of this important conversation.
Registration Link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/same-brp-aug-7-2026-stem-celebration-and-meet-the-new-commander
Location
George Washington Hotel
103 E Piccadilly St.
Winchester, VA
Jason Beck
events@sameblueridgepost.org
AGENDA
Friday, August 7
11:30 am – 2:00 pm (1130 – 1400) ET
11:30 AM | Registration & Networking
Connect with fellow attendees before the program begins.
12:00 PM | Welcome, Lunch & STEM Mentorship Discussions
The program will open with welcoming remarks from Crystal Canet, Clear Consulting International, the newly installed President of the SAME Blue Ridge Post. This will be her first hosted Blue Ridge Post event as President.
During lunch, attendees will participate in facilitated STEM-focused discussions centered on mentorship, education, and career development.
Meet the New District Commander & USACE Middle East District Update
Hear from COL Christopher Klein as he introduces the new Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, COL Dale Caswell Jr., followed by an update on the District’s area of responsibility.
Celebrating the Next Generation
Hear directly from students who participated in SAME Engineering & Construction Camps and recognize the Blue Ridge Post’s 2026 college scholarship recipients.
Featured Mentor Panel
Hear from leaders representing military service, government, and industry as they share candid insights on mentorship, leadership, career development, and the experiences that helped shape their careers.
Featuring:
COL Christopher Klein
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District
MG Margaret Burcham, USA (Ret.)
WSP
Jennifer Clark
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District
Industry Career & Internship Pathways
Representatives from leading firms will share internship opportunities, career pathways, and advice for students and emerging professionals.
Featuring representatives from:
• AECOM
• Conti Federal
• Wesco
2:00 PM | Group Photo and Program Closeout
Following the program, attendees are welcome to continue networking at an informal early happy hour at Vibrissa Beer. Food and beverages are on your own.
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TICKET REGISTRATION
$55 – SAME Member Industry Ticket
$65 – Non-Member Industry Ticket
$30 – Government / Full-Time Student SAME Member
Registration includes the luncheon program, buffet lunch, networking, and 1 PDH for eligible attendees.
Walk-ins are welcome. Advance registration is encouraged to help us plan appropriately for seating and meals.
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WHO QUALIFIES FOR EACH TICKET TYPE
SAME Member Rate
Available to individuals with an active membership in the Society of American Military Engineers. You do not need to be a member of the Blue Ridge Post, but we encourage it! Active SAME members from any Post may register at the member rate.
Non-Member Rate
Available to individuals who are not currently active SAME members. Join now and save! same.org
Government Rate
Available to current federal, state, or local government employees and active-duty military personnel attending in their official or professional capacity. Please use your .gov or .mil email address when registering. Government contractors should use the applicable Industry rate tickets to register.
Full-Time Student SAME Member Rate
Full-time students may register at the $30 Government / Student Member rate as long as they are active SAME members. Student membership status may be verified.
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LOCATION
The George Washington, A Wyndham Grand Hotel
103 East Piccadilly Street
Winchester, VA 22601
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DRESS CODE
Gentlemen and ladies should wear business casual attire.
Short-sleeved uniform or a uniform not requiring a coat or tie may be worn at the meeting when it is the prescribed uniform of the day by the respective military service.
Business cards are welcome.
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PARKING
On-site or nearby street parking is available for a small fee.
George Washington AutoPark
128 North Cameron Street
Winchester, VA 22601
The garage is located behind the George Washington Hotel and adjacent to the Frederick County office building.
Daily Parking: $2 per hour, with a $30 maximum.
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REGISTRATION, REFUNDS & TRANSFERS
The deadline to request a refund is Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
Refund requests received after this deadline cannot be accommodated.
Registration transfers are not permitted for this event. Each registration is associated with the individual attendee because the event includes an opt-in attendee list and an individual PDH certificate for eligible participants.
Please review your registration information carefully before submitting your order. By registering, you acknowledge and agree to the event’s refund and transfer policies.
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A NOTE ABOUT ZEFFY
This event uses Zeffy, a fee-free registration platform for nonprofit organizations. During checkout, Zeffy may suggest an optional contribution to support its platform.
This contribution is entirely optional and is not a donation to the SAME Blue Ridge Post or part of your event registration fee. To opt out, simply change the suggested Zeffy contribution amount to $0 before completing your registration.
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DOCUMENT DELIVERY
All registered attendees will receive a PDH Certificate for 1 hour of learning, the opt-in attendee list, and a copy of the program slides from events@sameblueridgepost.org
Contact us: events@sameblueridgepost.org