SAME Blue Ridge 2025 STEM Celebration & Dive Engineering (1 PDH)
About this Event
A key focus of the Blue Ridge Post is supporting the development of future STEM students as they prepare to meet the challenges of the modern world and support the defense and development of our Nation.
On Thursday, August 7 the BRP luncheon meeting will recognize each of our 2025 Scholarship recipients. In addition, the Blue Ridge Post sponsored six (6) students to attend SAME STEM Engineering & Construction Summer Camps around the United States this year. Several of our students will be present to provide a summary of their time and experiences at their camp.
Our STEM scholarship program is supported by our members and sponsors throughout the year, including our annual Scholarship Golf Tournament & BBQ Fundraiser held in the fall. Since 2015, the Blue Ridge Post has awarded over $175,000 to high school and college students who are interested in STEM careers for engineering, architecture and environmental science.
Our MC for the program is Ben Wham, PE, the SAME BRP Director of STEM Education and SAME Engineering & Construction Camps and BRP Post Immediate Past President.
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FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Colonel Christopher D. Klein is Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, where he leads engineering and construction missions across the Middle East and Central Asia. A West Point graduate, he holds master’s degrees in Geological Engineering and National Security Strategy and is a certified Project Management Professional. He has commanded multiple USACE districts and held leadership roles around the world, including Iraq and the Pentagon. With a deep commitment to developing future talent, Colonel Klein will deliver the keynote address highlighting the critical role of STEM education in sustaining innovation and leadership across our industry.
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TECHNICAL PROGRAM
Maritime Expeditionary Operation Center (1 PDH)
What does it take to engineer the impossible—hundreds of feet underwater?
From recovering aircraft wreckage in dark, shifting waters to building structures beneath ships and safely retrieving unexploded ordnance, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design, training, and engineering that make expeditionary maritime operations possible. Learn how underwater construction and mission support are shaping facility needs, and get a first look at a new training center that will become one of the deepest dive pools in the U.S.
Whether you're a student curious about STEM careers or a professional interested in cutting-edge defense and infrastructure projects, this 1 PDH session will leave you inspired.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER
Dr. Paula Loomis, FAIA, F.SAME, AICP, SAP, LEED AP, is the Director of Research at Urban Collaborative, a retired Air Force Colonel, and national expert in designing facilities for the military and public sector as an architect and planner. She has worked with the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, and Navy on projects around the world. A champion of sustainability and STEM education, Dr. Loomis inspires future architects, engineers and planners through her work and teaching.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-loomis-6243125
Urban Collaborative: https://urbancollaborative.com/
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Thursday, August 7
AGENDA
11:30 am - Registration/networking (pick up name tags)
12:00 pm - Luncheon with guest speaker and presentations by scholarship recipients
1:00 pm - Technical Program "Maritime Expeditionary Operation Center" (1PDH)
2:00 pm - Event concludes with networking (closes at 2:30 pm)
TICKETS
$ 25 - Current Gov't, Full-time students, Fully Retired Professionals
$ 45 - SAME members (any Post)
$ 50 - Non-members
+ $10 - Late registration (After 12:00 pm/noon, Monday, August 4)
Regular-priced ticket sales end at 12:00 pm/noon on Monday, August 4. Late registration tickets will have a $10 surcharge. Please register online for all ticket sales.
Not a SAME Blue Ridge Post member? Join today to save on this and future SAME events: https://www.same.org/membership-communities/join/
REFUNDS & TRANSFERS
Regular-priced tickets may be refunded or transferred to another attendee by 12:00 pm/noon on Monday, August 4. Late registrations and Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. To request a refund or transfer, please email ZXZlbnRzIHwgc2FtZWJsdWVyaWRnZXBvc3QgISBvcmc=.
LOCATION
The George Washington (A Wyndham Grand) Hotel
103 East Piccadilly Street Winchester, VA 22601
DRESS CODE
Gentlemen and Ladies should wear business casual attire. Short sleeved uniform or uniform not requiring coat or tie may be worn at the meeting when it is the prescribed uniform of the day by the respective military services. Business cards are welcome.
PARKING
On-site or nearby street parking is available for a small fee.
George Washington AutoPark
128 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601
(behind the George Washington Hotel and adjacent to the Frederick County office building)
D aily Parking: $1 per hour; $15.00 maximum
EVENT CONTACTS
Bree Beal, YmJlYWwgfCBrY2N0ICEgY29t - Post President
Jason Beck, amJlY2sgfCBlY3NsaW1pdGVkICEgY29t - Programs Director
Brian Thorne, YnJpYW4gISB0aG9ybmUgfCB0ZXRyYXRlY2ggISBjb20= - Treasurer
General Inquiry: ZXZlbnRzIHwgc2FtZWJsdWVyaWRnZXBvc3QgISBvcmc=
| Ticket Information | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Ticket - Gov't / Student / Fully Retired | USD 29 |
| Ticket - SAME Member (Any Post) | USD 50 |
| Non-Members | USD 55 |
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