LACROSSE, Wis. — Western Technical College announced a $6.5 million gift from Ron Wanek, the founder Ashley Furniture, to equip an advanced manufacturing center to be built on the La Crosse campus. The building which will bear Wanek’s name, will enable students for careers in robotics and other 21st century industrial skills. There will be virtual simulation capabilities and full integration with advanced manufacturing like cybersecurity and data analytics. Ground will be broken for construction in October. The completion target: June 2025. The total cost: $10.5 million.
Western’s Business Education Center. About $3 million of Wanek’s gift will go toward equipment like new robotics and new laboratory technology.