Episode 4 of Season 4 features Gary Powers, Jr. Gary is an author, historian, and speaker specifically on The Cold War, and his father, Francis Gary Powers, who was a U2 pilot for the CIA. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Gary in early 2023. The first part of their conversation focuses on Gary’s father, who was shot down in a U2 spy plane over the former Soviet Union in 1960, taken prisoner for almost two years, and ultimately freed in a prisoner exchange.

In the second half of their conversation, Steve and Gary talk about Gary’s SAE experience and life lessons learned. Gary described himself as shy and introverted when he entered his freshmen year at California State University - Northridge. He said he found a connection with the brothers of SAE’s California Nu chapter and that joining the fraternity changed his life.

Tune in today for this conversation that serves as a history lesson and also focuses on taking your own path, learning from failure, and not taking no for an answer.

This episode is also available on YouTube. Click here to watch this interview.

Episode 3 of Season 4 features Stan Strom, Director of Planned Giving at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, SAE Alumnus, Province Upsilon Archon, and national pie baking champion.

Stan attended Arizona State University, where he became an SAE in 1979. Over his 44 years as a member, Stan has served in almost every volunteer role available. In addition, he is a former staff member for the fraternity.

Throughout this time, Stan has learned and embodied the true meaning of membership for life and has made it his mission to bring that lesson to the next generation of SAEs.

Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Stan in early 2023, and the two spoke about everything from lessons learned, the best piece of advice Stan was ever given, and all things SAE, from re-establishing an Alumni Association to the Levere Memorial Temple. Tune in today for this conversation that focuses on being a member for life, giving back to SAE and your community however you can, and rising above when faced with adversity.

The second episode of season 4 features Les Ireland, Strategic Consultant, SAE Alumnus, Vice Chairman of the SAE Foundation Board of Trustees, and Executive Sponsor of SAE’s brand-new initiative, Career Connect.

Les grew up in Maryland and attended Towson State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Currently, Les advises both public and private companies on marketing, operations, and commercial strategy. Les has worked with companies throughout his career to build, launch, relaunch, and expand their brand.

Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Les over Zoom earlier this year. Tune in today for this conversation that focuses on creating your personal brand, developing your leadership style, and leveraging your experiences and lessons learned to showcase the value you bring to an organization.

Once you’ve finished the episode, head over to the SAE Portal to sign-up for SAE Career Connect as a Career Mentor or Mentee. Successful alumni and undergraduates are already registered and waiting to be matched with Career Mentors and Mentees. Click here to sign in.