Recap: SAME University

SAME hosted the first-ever installment of SAME University, the newest addition to the society’s roster of educational workshops, from June 9-11 in Frankfurt, Germany. The event featured three days of technical panels and training opportunities presented by SAME and strategic partners the International Facility Management Association and the Construction Management Association of America.

Because it is often difficult or impossible for personnel stationed overseas to return to the United States for training and professional development activities, SAME is committed to providing more convenient opportunities abroad. Furthermore, bundling multiple workshops into a three-day period allows attendees to network with colleagues participating in other classes or panels.

The inaugural SAME University also included a reception and dinner co-hosted by the SAME International Committee and a Post Leaders Workshop tailored specifically for leaders of OCONUS SAME Posts. Dr. Bob Wolff, SAME Executive Director, was on site for the event, which he describes as “a great success,” in his upcoming XD’s Corner column in the Spring/Summer edition of the SAME News newsletter.

Future SAME University events are proposed for San Antonio, Texas, in October 2009; Seoul, South Korea, in conjunction with the Peninsula Engineer Conference in January 2010; Rolla, Mo., at the conclusion of the Captains Career Course in June 2010; and again in Frankfurt, Germany, in July 2010.

In the photos below: (L) Bob Wolff, far right, poses with the SAME University instructors. (R) The SAME International Committee dinner featured speakers, left to right, Maj. Ryan Novotny, USAF, of U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Col. John Kem, USA, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District; Mike Schaefer, Director of Operations, NAVFAC Europe/Africa/Southwest Asia; and Capt. Will McKerall, USN, the U.S. European Command Engineer.