Fostering Engineering Leadership for the Nation
In 2016, with a vision to strengthen and expand the philanthropic efforts of SAME and the lasting contributions of its members, partners, and stakeholders in every phase of progress in the engineering, architecture, and construction fields over the last century, the SAME Foundation was established to “foster engineering leadership for the nation.”
The first meeting of the SAME Foundation Board of Directors was held on Jan. 26, 2017. Establishing the SAME Foundation was a major step toward achieving the goals and objectives of the 2020 SAME Strategic Plan. As we advance the 2030 SAME Strategic Plan and look ahead to the impact we can make in the Society’s second century of service, the SAME Foundation through your generous support has an enormous opportunity to enhance the development of the next generation of military, government civilian, and A/E/C industry professionals: to help STEM journeys start and rising leaders soar.
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SAME Foundation Proud to be Part of the Combined Federal Campaign
The SAME Foundation has been approved for listing in the Combined Federal Campaign: CFC# 59814.
The SAME Foundation is committed to helping ensure a pipeline of dedicated engineering leaders for the nation through STEM outreach, mentorship, and leader development. Donations through CFC or directly to the Foundation help foster the next generation of STEM professionals and future leaders—and equips them to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Introducing the Soaring Eagle Award!
The SAME Foundation is honored to announce the new Soaring Eagle Award, to be presented for the first time in 2026. Recognizing a transformational leader who exhibits courage, vision, and integrity while making a lasting impact on our nation through their work in the A/E/C community, this esteemed award will be given on March 25, 2026, as part of SAME Capital Week. The evening dinner and celebration will be held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
Proceeds will benefit the SAME Foundation and its commitment to “fostering engineering leadership for the nation.” More information will be available soon!
Learn more about the Soaring Eagle AwardAbout the SAME Foundation
Established in 2016, the SAME Foundation is registered as a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Contributions to the SAME Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law—EIN: 81-1960637.
The SAME Foundation has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency by Candid (GuideStar) and holds a four-star rating with Charity Navigator. The Foundation is committed to full compliance with state charitable registration statutes. [List of registered states and required disclaimers]
The SAME Foundation is an approved listing for the Combined Federal Campaign: CFC #59814.
Additional Resources & Information | (Questions? Contact Kathy Off)
The quality of content far surpassed what I thought would be presented to us. The speakers, the workshops, the time put in from SAME National was impressive. Through the Leader Development Program, understanding how I operate, not only as a leader but as a team member, really helped to form my vision of myself as a leader. I’ve been serving as a Post board members since the late 2000s, and I don’t plan to stop serving. I’d like to lead my Post as President some day and achieve recognition as a Fellow.
Ree Miskimon, 2021 Leader Development Program Class Graduate
Foundation Impact Report
Now seven years into its mission to foster engineering leadership for the nation, the SAME Foundation, with the help of generous donors and sponsors, has increased its reach and influence and advanced programs making an impact across the nation. A vision to discover and nurture the talent necessary to face the country’s many challenges, and keep it in the cutting edge of readiness, has been realized in its successes since inception, with significant progress made towards STEM and leader development.
Current Top Corporate Donors
Thank you to the current top corporate donors of the SAME Foundation. (As of September 2024)
Helping foster engineering leadership for the nation is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of corporate donors at the Sapphire Level ($10,000) and above, recognized annually.
Top Individual Donors (Cumulative)
The stewardship policy of the SAME Foundation recognizes individual donors, cumulatively, at the Emerald Level ($5,000) and above. (As of September 2024)
Major General William Black Society ($100,000+)
None
Diamond Level ($10,000+)
- Mario Burgos
- Maj. Gen. Tim Byers, F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)
- Mercedes Enrique, F.SAME
- Jennifer Fogg-Lickteig, F.SAME
- Rear Adm. Mark Handley, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)
- Col. John Henderson, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret).
- Carleton Hoffner, F.SAME
- Col. C. Patrick Hogeboom IV, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.)
- Rear Adm. Michael Johnson, P.E., F.SAME, F.ASCE, USN (Ret.0
- Maj. Gen. Eugene Lupia, AIA, P.E., BCEE, F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)
- Manish Mardia P.E.
- Rear Adm. David Nash, P.E., F.SAME (Dist.), USN (Ret.)
- Col. Sal Nodjomian, P.E., F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)
- Jane Penny, P.E., F.SAME (Dist.)
- Harold Rosen, Esq., F.SAME (Dist.)
- Arnold Ross
- Brig. Gen. Joseph Schroedel, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.)
- Melissa Smith, F.SAME
- Junjian Tang, FAIA; LEED AP, F.SAME
- Heather Wishart-Smith, P.E., LEED AP, F.ASCE, F.SAME
Emerald Level ($5,000+)
- Regina Babcock
- Christopher Conger
- Col. Patrick Coullahan, P.E, PMP, CEP, CFM, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
- Michael Doiel
- Ernest Enrique, P.E.
- Michelle French, F.SAME
- Donald Hall, Ph.D., P.E., F.SAME
- Rear Adm. Charles Kubic, Ph.D., P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)
- Col. Miro Kurka, P.E., PMP, F.SAME, USA (Ret.)
- Anthony Leketa, P.E., F.SAME (Dist.), SES (Ret.)
- Col. John Mogge, Ph.D., RA, F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)
- Avinash Rachmale, P.E.
- Jed Richard, CCM, CGC, LEED AP
- Capt. Robert Schlesinger, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)
- Dan Schnepf
- Graham Sharpe, P.E.
- Rear Adm. Ronald Silva, P.E., PMP, F.SAME, USCG (Ret.)
- Kenneth Stegall, P.E., F.SAME
- Jessica Travis
- Murphy Tuomey Wilson, F.SAME
Developing Future Engineering Leaders
The SAME Foundation engages the philanthropic community by identifying impactful Society leader development initiatives. Program outcomes present a diversity of impact that ensures the Society endures for the next 100 years.
Leader Development Program
Through support from the SAME Foundation, in 2019 SAME launched the Leader Development Program to identify and cultivate talent from within the Society’s membership to address the nation’s grand challenges. The program supports the development of the next generation of world-class military, government, and industry leaders through a curriculum of hands-on training, study, utilization projects and active engagement in new opportunities.
Engineering & Construction Camps
Working with the network of Posts, volunteers, and sponsors, and support from the SAME Foundation, the Society develops, maintains, and grows a variety of camps to provide in-person experiences to students interested in exploring STEM-related skills and careers. The net outcome is more technical professionals available to meet the nation’s needs
Camp Alumni Scholarships
The SAME Foundation has supported a scholarship program for Engineering & Construction Camp alumni. Individuals selected must have attended an SAME Engineering & Construction Camp, are currently high school seniors preparing to enter college, and will major in engineering, architecture, or an engineering-related field. Learn more about these scholarships.
Camps Mentoring Program
The SAME Foundation supports the participation of members to serve as mentors at the Engineering & Construction Camps. Mentors play a vital role in providing a rigorous and supportive camp experience. By interacting with the campers, their guidance and advice, based on their own experience and education, creates strong bonds that last beyond the camps. Participants are no longer alone in their pursuit of a STEM degree. They know they have someone to count on and get answers or support. This relationship is extremely valuable to their academic and professional trajectory.
STEM Pathways Program
Designed as a framework for SAME Posts to engage American Indian/Alaska Native communities in STEM, the “We Must Go to Them” project (created through the Leader Development Program) was selected for a grant from the United Engineering Foundation in 2021. The SAME Foundation has furthered its involvement in this important effort, now STEM Pathways, by underwriting the cost-match required to conduct pilot activities in Alaska, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Florida.
2024 SAME Foundation Donor Impact Report
Additional Resources & Information
SAME Foundation Board of Directors
We are fortunate to have an extraordinary group of individuals to lead the SAME Foundation, including several past SAME National Presidents*. The SAME Foundation is chaired by Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.).
| Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)* – Chair | Rear Adm. Mark Handley, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)* |
| Col. Sal Nodjomian, P.E., F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)* – Chair-Elect | Brig. Gen. Paul Owen, P.E., USA (Ret.) |
| Steve Blinderman, P.E., LEED AP, F.SAME | Dana Otto, WSP |
| Capt. Mike Blount, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)* | Sally Riker, F.SAME |
| Lloyd Caldwell, P.E., F.SAME | Capt. Bob Schlesinger, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.) |
| Mercedes Enrique, MBA, F.SAME | Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.) |
| Eddie Gonzalez | Louise Slate, PE, LEED AP, HRP |
| Col. Bill Haight, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.) | J.R. Steele, JD |
| Steven Houser, F.SAME | Susan Thames, F.SAME |
| Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson, P.E., USA (Ret.) | Kathryn Thomas |
The Foundation closed the Foundation Donor Campaign on December 31, 2020. Thank you to all those who contributed to the campaign to continue the Foundation’s important work of fostering engineering leadership for the nation.
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SAME Foundation Silent Auction 2026
Please help us build a robust list of items and experiences for our 2026 Silent Auction – culminating at the Joint Engineer Training Conference (JETC) in Portland, OR, May 21, 2026. This will be an on-line auction benefiting the SAME Foundation. Items and experiences must have a minimum value of $100. We need items at a wide range of value that may include homemade jewelry or crafts, beach house rentals, weekend getaways, experiences with SAME leaders, golf outings at SAME events, exhibit packages, and more.
Learn more about SAME Silent Auction
Support the SAME Foundation
Can We Count on You to Help STEM Journeys Start and Rising Leaders Soar?
At the SAME Foundation, our purpose is both ambitious and essential: to foster engineering leadership for the nation. With your support, we invest in programs that help introduce youth to STEM, mentor and support them on their journey to STEM careers, and develop emerging leaders within the A/E/C profession. Thanks to your generosity, we can inspire, develop, and grow STEM professionals for tomorrow’s global challenges.
Other Ways to Donate to SAME the Foundation
- Pay by Check
Make checks payable to the SAME Foundation:
SAME Foundation
Lockbox Number: 1178-10098399
P.O. Box 98399
Washington D.C. 20090-8300
Please include donor name (individual, company, or Post). Please send all payment advice notes to accountsreceivable@same.org. - Donate Stock
- Donate items & experiences to the Silent Auction
- Include the SAME Foundation in your Planned Giving
- Give through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): For federal employees only – CFC# 59814
- Become a Soaring Eagle Benefactor
- Set up an Endowment to make a lasting impact: Contact Kathy Off
- Want to donate another way or need more information? Contact Kathy Off
Our nation must have a continuous pipeline of quality engineering and STEM leaders to address these complex national security and infrastructure challenges. The SAME Foundation was specifically created to attack this need by leveraging the charitable capacity of our Society and of engineering and related professions. This is your opportunity to make a difference.
Hal Rosen, F.SAME (Dist.), SAME Foundation President, 2020-2022