Sid Gustafson was the Department of Physics premiere instructor in Industrial Trades, and greatly expanded the Trades Teaching Lab. Sid came to the University with a rich background that assures a successful learning experience for participants in any of his unique courses.
Sid wrote the instructional manuals for both of his current courses: Machine Shop Technologies and Beginning Welding. These are approved and adopted by the Department of Risk Management as the standard for teaching these skills. In addition to teaching students, faculty staff, and persons outside of the university community safe machine shop practices and welding basics, he assisted research personnel in planning and creating their projects.
In addition to being an accomplished machinist and a Master Welder, Sid was owner/proprietor of Gustafson’s Ornamental Iron Works, Inc. Some of his local works include the following project awards:
- HUD grant for Chautauqua Park (wrought iron hand rails and fencing).
- Governor’s Mansion Renovation (wrought iron fencing and gate).
- Wrought iron work on the downtown Boulder Mall.
- Built John Mar Lab Mountain Research, University of Colorado.
Sid’s education was enriched by his time spent in the United States Marine Corps and Stout University (Menomonee, Wisconsin). His interests include hand-crafted ornamental wrought iron, fishing and antique automobiles.
He also has the following accomplishments:
- Started the “Tradesman of the Year Award” 1998
- 1998 University of Colorado Employee of the Year
- 2000 SPS Teacher of the Year
- Received the Gene Hass Foundation Grant 2002
- Acknowledged on 29 Ph.D. theses (joined dissertation defense for two of them)
- Featured in six newspaper articles
- Recognized by Aerospace Engineering for Space Shuttle contribution
- Received acknowledgement of John Price’s NSF proposal
- Developed TTL web page featuring student photos in machine shop