State Tech Announces $1 Million dollar naming gift

Published on October 15, 2024

State Tech Announces $1 Million dollar naming gift

The State Technical College of Missouri Foundation is pleased to announce a $1 million naming gift from the Gene Haas Foundation.

This donation marks the largest contribution from a private foundation or donor in the history of the college. The funds will be used to establish a state-of-the-art machining lab inside the soon-to-be-completed Willett Automation Center.

The brand-new CNC machining lab will be named the Gene Haas Manufacturing Laboratory. This facility will further enhance the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge CNC machining education and training, reinforcing State Tech’s reputation as “The Employers’ Choice.”

“We could not be more grateful for the incredible partnership we have with the Gene Haas Foundation. Through this partnership, hundreds of students have received scholarships and support. Now, with this naming gift, all of our students will benefit from the new, state-of-the-art Gene Haas Manufacturing Laboratory,” said Shannon Grus, Vice President of External Relations.

State Tech is the fastest-growing college in Missouri, with more than 2,400 students on campus. The new Gene Haas Manufacturing Lab will be used daily by students in the Precision Machining, Automation and Robotics, Drafting and Design Engineering, Electronics, and Welding programs. State Tech’s Precision Machining program is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). Since 1995, the program has maintained a 100% job placement rate.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Gene Haas Foundation for their generous gift. This comes at the perfect time to assist with the transformation occurring on the State Tech campus. We are honored to have the Haas name on what will be one of the premier machining facilities in the country,” said Dr. Shawn Strong, President of State Tech.

The Gene Haas Manufacturing Lab will provide State Tech students with access to state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment, offering them hands-on experience that mirrors the environments they will encounter in their careers.

“At the Gene Haas Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting institutions that demonstrate excellence in CNC machinist training,” said Kathy Looman, Director of Education at Haas Technical Education Conferences and Gene Haas Naming Grants. “State Tech has consistently shown a commitment to innovation and producing highly skilled CNC machinists. We are excited to make this award and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on students and the manufacturing industry.”

This investment will benefit not only State Tech students and faculty but also contribute to the development of a highly skilled and competitive workforce for Missouri’s manufacturing sector. State Tech will use this investment to further its statewide mission to build Missouri’s workforce.

About the Gene Haas Foundation

The Gene Haas Foundation is committed to providing support and funding to institutions and initiatives that advance CNC machinist training. Founded by Gene Haas, the founder of Haas Automation, Inc., one of the world’s leading CNC machine tool builders, the foundation aims to create a skilled and competitive workforce in the manufacturing industry through education and training.

For additional information, please contact Brandon McElwain at 573-897-5351.