News

Not the SAME old song and dance: Robins works with Mercer - shares knowledge, exposes students to STEM career fields

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
Mentoring the next generation of engineers, establishing and fostering relationships, and improving and protecting the security of the United States is one part of the mission of the Society of American Military Engineers.

In building on the education of science, technology, engineering and math, members of the SAME Robins Post engaged last fall with Mercer University in Macon to establish a SAME student chapter. 

The student organization stood up in early March and joins a network of more than 50 schools that have SAME chapters, also known as posts.   

"What a great opportunity for Robins and Mercer. It will not only help us to pass on what we've learned, but it benefits the students with exposure to those in the field," said Col. Craig Johnson, Programs Division chief at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, and a former SAME Robins post past president.

Johnson, whose background is civil engineering, said the future is limitless for students who will have access to professionals, and allows both sides to learn what the other is doing. It's about pulling together resources and energy, and creating and making things happen.

"This is our way of helping and giving back to the next generation," he said. 

The SAME Robins Post has been around for decades and currently includes 165 members. Members are not only military, but include many civilians as well as representatives from private organizations. 

Mercer's School of Engineering includes biomedical, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial and mechanical engineering, as well as industrial management and technical communication programs. 

The relationship between Robins and the university is seen as a win-win for both parties, especially for students who will benefit from future networking. 

"The Mercer University School of Engineering is delighted to establish a student chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers. We share the goal of advancing professional and personal growth of students affiliated with this new chapter, as well as applying engineering to the success of our community and nation," said Wade Shaw, Dean and Kaolin Chair of Engineering at Mercer." 

"All engineering disciplines contribute to the industries that help our nation maintain our infrastructure and keep our nation secure," he said. "SAME has provided valuable scholarships to our students over the years and we look forward to building an even more active relationship with our colleagues in central Georgia."

Students who join SAME Mercer have free membership. Meetings will be conducted each month. 

To learn more about the SAME Robins Post, visit www.samerobins.org, and also www.same.org.