Cotter Welcomes Industry Leaders to Highlight Engineering Program

Cotter Schools welcomed distinguished guests to campus as Ron Wanek, Founder and Chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, brought a team to engage with students and share insights into careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Joining Wanek were Matt Kirchner, President of ATS/LAB Midwest, and Renee Kirchner, CEO of LAB Midwest, along with Mary Burrichter, a generous benefactor of Cotter Schools. The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications and hear directly from leaders in the field.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of Cotter students who earned Gold Level Certification through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. This prestigious certification reflects advanced skills in automation, robotics, and manufacturing systems—key competencies for today’s workforce.

“Experiences like this help our students see the direct connection between what they are learning and the opportunities that await them,” said Eric Paulsen, Cotter Engineering Teacher. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of industry leaders who invest in our students’ futures.”

Students recognized include Daniel Gaedy and Alex Swenson, both members of the Class of 2026, who demonstrated excellence in achieving this certification milestone. 

This visit demonstrates Cotter’s commitment to building strong industry partnerships that enhance student learning and future readiness.  

Pictured (left to right): Eric Paulsen (Engineering Teacher), Matt Kirchner (President of ATS/LAB Midwest), Daniel Gaedy ’26, Ron Wanek (Founder and Chairman of Ashley Furniture), Alex Swenson ’26, Renee Kirchner (CEO of LAB Midwest), Mike Swenson (Vice President, Cotter Schools), Mary Burrichter (Benefactor)