LA CROSSE, Wis., September 17, 2024 – The Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, Inc. (the Foundation) and Western Technical College (Western) are thrilled to announce their partnership to establish the Wanek Center of Innovation, set to open in June 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. This state-of-the-art facility will be dedicated to advanced manufacturing education and training, positioned to become a catalyst for economic growth in Western Wisconsin by serving as a leader in skills development for the future workforce.
The Wanek Center of Innovation will replace the existing Business Education building on Western’s La Crosse, Wisconsin campus, which will be renovated into a cutting-edge educational facility. Outfitted with the latest technology for robotics, manufacturing, and automation, the Center will provide associate degrees, credit programs, and diploma-level courses in Cyber Security, Web and Software Developing, Data Analytics, Computer Support, Mechatronics and Robotics, Electromechanical, and more, emphasizing connectivity, virtualization, and data in smart automation. This Center will reach over 1,000 students annually through its credentialed programs, K-12 partnerships, and events that showcase the opportunities available through Western.
“The Wanek Center of Innovation will address three key areas to further promote advanced manufacturing across our region. This project, generously contributed by the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, will allow Western to enhance K-12 pathways, strengthen our incumbent worker training offerings, and expand our automaton technologies for the traditional credit programs. All combined, this represents our strategic approach to guiding more individuals towards great manufacturing jobs and ensuring those already in that career field thrive,” said Roger Stanford, President of Western Technical College. “We cannot thank the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation enough for their generosity. This is a momentous day for Western and our region.”
The partnership between Western and the Foundation has been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities and workforce development in the region since 2017. This collaboration has included significant investments such as the Ashley Automation Lab, which expanded the college's robotics program, and the establishment of dual credit agreements through the Mobile Skills Laboratory. In 2022, the partnership further strengthened with the dedication of the Joyce Wanek Center for Art and Design, and Mechatronic & Robotic Engineering Technology programs, demonstrating a continued commitment to providing superior education and training. These initiatives not only enhance the skillsets of students but also align with industry needs, preparing graduates for successful careers in an increasingly technological world.
“The Wanek Center of Innovation is a culmination of many collaborative efforts over the past 7 years aimed at better serving our manufacturing sector. Our journey began as a trip to Germany in 2017 with our industry partner, local high school leadership, and 4-year partners to understand how rapidly technology was changing and what we needed to do within education to respond,” stated Josh Gamer, Dean of Integrated Technology of Western Technical College. “Fast forward to today and we have established multiple dual credit agreements with local high schools, launched the new programs, put in place transfer agreements to bachelor programs, and incorporated new automation technology to address current and future needs of manufacturing. The Center will enhance our outreach and training efforts, create new partnerships, and provide students with access to cutting edge labs and equipment as we look to continue to serve more people. Having our various programs under the same roof will allow for synergies in learning that otherwise were not possible. I am extremely grateful for the continued support of the Ron and Joyce Wanek Foundation and excited for the future.”
The concerted educational efforts of the Foundation and Western underscore a deep commitment to creating a robust K-12 pipeline that fosters continuous learning and skill development. This dedication is exemplified through initiatives such as the establishment of the Whitehall Regional Emerging Technology Laboratory, which serves as a center of excellence for advanced technology instruction. In partnership with Western, the certifications and credits earned at the laboratory can be transferred to technical colleges. Additionally, the development of education centers at institutions like Luther High School provides hands-on, competency-based learning experiences. Through initiatives like these, the Foundation and Western are paving the way for a more educated and technologically proficient workforce, empowering students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Western Technical College to advance our shared mission of fostering educational excellence through K-20 partnerships and industry collaboration. The Wanek Center of Innovation represents a landmark achievement in our ongoing mission to advance education,” said Ron Wanek, Founder and Chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries. “By working together, we are providing students with unparalleled education opportunities that equip them with the skills and competitive edge necessary for the future.”
The Wanek Center of Innovation represents a monumental step forward in education and workforce development for Western Wisconsin.