SSAB Funds USA College of Engineering Endowed Scholarship

Global steel company SSAB, which operates a mill in Mobile County, has announced a $110,000 pledge to the University of South Alabama to establish the SSAB Scholarship Endowment Fund.  The fund will go toward scholarships benefitting full-time junior and senior level students in USA’s College of Engineering, with preference given to Alabama resident students and those majoring in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering.

Through the University’s Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, USA will match the $110,000 gift dollar-for-dollar as the funds are received from SSAB over the next four years.  SSAB previously supported the University with generous donations toward the inception of USA’s new engineering facilities in Shelby Hall.

“I am excited to continue our partnership with the University of South Alabama,” said Chuck Schmitt, president of SSAB Americas. “Well-educated engineers are an invaluable asset to our company and to our industry.  USA has done a remarkable job preparing these students for important roles that are shaping the future of manufacturing in this country.”

The first recipient of an SSAB scholarship is Matthew Hancock, a junior from Mobile majoring in mechanical engineering.  Hancock is active with several collegiate engineering organizations and also serves as a supplemental instructor for a number of USA students.     

Dr. John Steadman, dean of the USA College of Engineering, said the SSAB gift continues the company’s tradition of being an industry partner to the college.  “SSAB has been a long-time supporter of USA’s College of Engineering through its leadership on our industrial advisory board and several of our graduates are part of the SSAB engineering staff.  SSAB also provides opportunities for our students to learn about the steel industry right here in Alabama,” Steadman said.

Dr. Joseph F. Busta Jr., vice president for development and alumni relations, said the commitment from SSAB’s leadership shows tremendous vision in recognizing an opportunity to invest in the future of engineering in our region and state. “This gift from SSAB is just the most recent step in a deep and lasting relationship with the University that will benefit engineering students for generations to come,” Busta said.

SSAB operates a steel mill in Axis, Ala., where more than 600 employees from the Mobile area work, many in engineering-focused roles. Several USA graduates are now employed by SSAB.