THE GIFT OF TECH. The result of an ongoing partnership between UW-Stout and the Wanek Family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, the Menomonie university is receiving millions of dollars' worth of machinery equipment. Pictured is computer numerical control (CNC) equipment. (Submitted photos)

As shared by the University of Wisconsin-Stout on Aug. 27, the Menomonie polytechnic university has received a $3.1 million donation of high-tech equipment from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation. The Wanek family is widely known for their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia. 

According to a recent media release from UW-Stout, the equipment donation includes production-level 3D prints, a fully-integrated automated manufacturing system, and more. Daniel Freedman, dean of the College of Science, said the new equipment will also create automation, robotics and 3D printing labs "that will be in the top tier for undergraduate engineering programs in the United States." 

Notably, Ashley Furnitures Industries' CEO Todd Wanek – son of Ashley Furniture Industries' founder Ronald (Ron) Wanek and Joyce Wanek – is also a 1988 UW-Stout alum and was the school's 2017 Cabot Executive in Residence. The Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation itself is a philanthropic organization focused on supporting STEM education and other community initiatives. 

"Our partnership with UW-Stout represents a strategic investment in the future of STEM education," Ron Wanek stated. "By providing students with access to industry-standard equipment and technology, we are ensuring they graduate with practical skills and technical expertise that today's employers require.

"UW-Stout's polytechnic mission aligns with our commitment to developing a skilled workforce, and we are pleased to support their efforts in preparing the next generation of manufacturing professionals." 

Some of the equipment has already been installed, delivered and driven through UW-Stout campus earlier this summer as pictured.

The equipment donation will benefit both undergraduate and graduate students, also allowing them to gain additional industry certifications, as well as K-12 students and other professional learners, the release notes. 

Some equipment has already been installed while the rest will be put in place during the fall semester. 

"We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation and its belief in the distinctiveness, relevance, and need for the polytechnic learning experience that UW-Stout provides," UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank said. 

View UW-Stout's full media release online at uwstout.edu/about-use/news-center.