WC Wisconsin News

The Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation and Western Technical College have officially opened the Wanek Center of Innovation on Western’s La Crosse campus. The new facility, which replaces the former Business Education building, is designed to support advanced manufacturing education and training with updated technology for robotics, automation, and related fields.

The renovated center will serve more than 1,000 students annually through a variety of programs. These include associate degrees, credit courses, and diplomas in areas such as Cyber Security, Web and Software Development, Data Analytics, Computer Support, Mechatronics and Robotics, Electromechanical studies, among others. The focus is on hands-on learning to meet workforce needs in smart automation.

Roger Stanford, President of Western Technical College said: “Seeing the Wanek Center of Innovation come to life has been incredible. When we announced this project last year, we talked about the potential to transform advanced manufacturing education in our region. Today, it’s a reality. Thanks to the generosity of the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, we are delivering on our promise, strengthening K-12 pathways, expanding training for current workers, and giving our students access to world-class technology right here in Western Wisconsin.”

Since beginning their partnership in 2017, Western Technical College and the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation have worked together on several projects aimed at improving manufacturing education locally. Past collaborations include establishing the Ashley Automation Lab for robotics programming expansion; creating a Mobile Skills Laboratory that enables dual credit opportunities with local high schools; and opening the Joyce Wanek Center for Art and Design.

Josh Gamer, Dean of Integrated Technology at Western stated: “Walking through these doors today, you can see years of planning, partnerships, and hard work all in one place. From our first trip to Germany in 2017 to study global best practices, to the launch of new programs and transfer agreements, to integrating cutting-edge automation technologies, this has been a true community effort. Bringing our programs together under one roof is already sparking collaboration, and I can’t wait to see the impact this Center will have on students, industry partners, and our region.”

The foundation has also supported other educational initiatives such as regional technology laboratories at Whitehall Regional Emerging Technology Laboratory and facilities at institutions like Luther High School.

Ron Wanek—Founder and Chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries—commented: "This partnership with Western Technical College reflects our commitment to practical education that meets real workforce needs. The Wanek Center of Innovation will give students access to the training and technology they need to succeed in today's manufacturing environment. When we invest in education, we're investing in the future of our community and ensuring young people have the skills employers are looking for."