Thanks to all who contributed to the SAME Foundation Silent Auction!
Adding to the energy of 2025 Capital Week, the SAME Foundation hosted their annual Fundraising Reception to kick off the conference. This much anticipated event attracted SAME members and professionals across the A/E/C spectrum, and presented an opportunity to mix and mingle with friends and colleagues and join in support of the Foundation’s critical programs to help build the next generation of engineering leaders. An impressive $72,181.40 was raised—exceeding the $50k goal! Thanks to all our generous donors making an investment in our country’s engineering future, and congratulations to the auction winners!
Help foster engineering leadership for the nation by supporting the SAME Foundation today. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Donate to the SAME FoundationFostering 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.
The SAME Foundation supports 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. Signature efforts include the SAME Leader Development Program, Camps Mentoring Program, and STEM Pathways Program for Indigenous Youth. The SAME Foundation also provides a secure and beneficial repository for charitable and other bequeaths from members of the Society and the public.
About 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 a four-star rating with Charity Navigator.
Additional Resources & Information | (Questions? Contact Kathy Off)
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
- Col. Sal Nodjomian, P.E., F.SAME (Dist.), USAF (Ret.)* – Chair-Elect
- Steve Blinderman, P.E., LEED AP, F.SAME
- Capt. Mike Blount, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)*
- Lloyd Caldwell, P.E., F.SAME
- Mercedes Enrique, MBA, F.SAME
- Eddie Gonzalez
- Col. Bill Haight, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.)
- Steven Houser, F.SAME
- Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson, P.E., USA (Ret.)
- Rear Adm. Mark Handley, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)*
- Brig. Gen. Paul Owen, P.E., USA (Ret.)
- Dana Otto, WSP
- Sally Riker, F.SAME
- Capt. Bob Schlesinger, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)
- Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.)
- Louise Slate
- J.R. Steele, JD
- Susan Thames, F.SAME
- Kathryn Thomas
Ways to Support the SAME Foundation
Individual Donations
A significant portion of the SAME Foundation’s raised funds comes from annual donations by individuals. Make a contribution today and support the nation’s future engineering leaders.
Planned Giving
Include SAME Foundation in your planned giving such as bequest through wills, creating a permanent legacy for yourself within SAME. Contact Kathy Off with questions.
Corporate Campaign
Corporations and organizations, including SAME member companies, may donate to the success of the SAME Foundation and future leaders, with perpetual recognition for your company.
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 Diamond 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)
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. Qualified applicants 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.
Additional Resources & Information
2023 SAME Foundation Donor Impact Report
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