The Lower Columbia College Foundation (LCCF) has announced that the new Welding Lab in the Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies will be permanently named in memory of Allan Evald, a long-time faculty member who taught welding at LCC for 25 years.
The decision, formally approved by the Lower Columbia College Foundation Board’s Executive Committee, honors Evald’s decades of dedication to students, his passion for welding, and his lasting impact on the community.
“Allan Evald inspired generations of students through his love of teaching and deep commitment to his craft,” said Matt Seimears, President of LCC. “He believed in the power of vocational education to change lives. Naming the new Welding Lab in his memory is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”
Evald joined the faculty of LCC in 1991 after a successful career in the welding industry. Known for his approachable teaching style, high standards, and unwavering care for his students, Evald helped countless graduates launch rewarding careers in welding and related fields. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and dedication to student success. An average of 60 students train in LCC’s welding program annually, with graduates going on to careers across the region. Enrollment exceeded 100 students in the 2024-25 academic year.
The new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies, set to begin construction in November following the groundbreaking in May, represents a once-in-a-generation investment in workforce training for Southwest Washington. The Allan Evald Welding Lab will serve as a cornerstone of the Center, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment to prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
As part of the Opportunity Can’t Wait campaign, LCCF is inviting friends, alumni, and community members to support this tribute through gifts in Evald’s memory. Contributions will help ensure the Welding Lab and the broader Center are equipped with cutting-edge technology for generations of students to come.
To contribute to the Allan Evald Welding Lab fund, visit lowercolumbia.edu/foundation, call (360) 442-2130, or email foundation@lowercolumbia.edu. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.