information from South Seattle College

West Seattle-based Nucor Steel has been a longtime supporter of South Seattle College and the West Seattle community. This summer, Nucor donated approximately 65,000 pounds of steel to the college’s Welding Fabrication Technology program, which will help students hone their skills and prepare for welding careers for several quarters to come.

“To get a few pieces of steel here and there is one thing,” Welding Instructor Rick Baker said. “To get a whole truckload is a whole different story!”

“It’s a huge help to our program,” Welding Instructor Doug Rupik added, stating the steel bars will be used for classwork, unique building projects, welding booth improvements and “to help us get students prepared for the Washington Association of Building Officials welding certification test.”

South Seattle College and Nucor Steel have forged a strong relationship over the years, with several welding students earning their internship credits at Nucor and, in some cases, going to work for the West Seattle industry staple after graduation. South’s welding program also takes students on Nucor tours for a deeper understanding of metallurgy as part of their curriculum.

Nucor also supports South Seattle College’s Foundation by funding student scholarships, and Nucor’s Plant Controller Walter Reese serves on the Foundation Board.

“We want to give back to the communities in which we live and work, and supporting the college really fits well into that mission of ours,” Reese said, adding that the steel donation not only benefits South students in their education, but may well benefit Nucor with talented graduates coming to work for them one day.