Snap-on Receives UW Board of Regents Business Partnership Award for support of...

Published: September 30, 2024

The Board of Regents of the Universities of Wisconsin has recognized Snap-on, Inc. with a Business Partnership award in appreciation of their partnership with and support of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The Universities of Wisconsin launched the Regents Business Partnership Award to recognize companies that positively affect Wisconsin through their generosity and collaboration with universities throughout the system. They were recognized at a ceremony on Sept. 27.

Chancellor Lynn Akey addressed Snap-on's commitment to UW-Parkside and the learning community. "On behalf of UW-Parkside, I extend my deepest gratitude to Snap-on Incorporated for their enduring partnership. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our students and our community. This award is a reflection of your dedication, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and success," Akey said.

President of the Universities of Wisconsin Jay Rothman and UW Regent Jim Kreuser were also in attendance to speak to the importance of Snap-on's partnership and support of UW-Parkside and the Southeastern region of Wisconsin. President Rothman acknowledged the many partners of the Universities of Wisconsin across the state. "These mutually productive and collaborative efforts are found between our UW universities and companies across the state. Here in Kenosha, UW-Parkside is fortunate to have a company like Snap-on embedded in this community and such a vital partner," Rothman explained.

Regent Kreuser acknowledged their commitment and the value that they bring to our communities stating, "Snap-on Incorporated is over 100 years old and has seen Kenosha's ups and a few downs, but they did not leave, and in fact doubled down on investing in our community and expanding its world headquarters footprint. They have succeeded to transform the future of thousands and thousands of people in Southeastern Wisconsin," Kreuser said.

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks including those working in vehicle repair, aerospace, the military, natural resources, and manufacturing. From its founding in 1920, Snap-on has been recognized as the mark of the serious and the outward sign of the pride and dignity working men and women take in their professions.

Since UW-Parkside's beginnings, the partnership with Snap-on has been a mutually beneficial relationship based on shared values and a commitment to excellence in education and workforce development. The partnership has grown and touched countless lives and created opportunities far beyond the classroom.

The Joseph Johnson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, is one of the cornerstones of Snap-on's support. Named after Snap-on's founder, Joseph Johnson, this scholarship is indicative of his commitment to empowering future generations. The scholarship provides up to four half-tuition scholarships annually to students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher who have a parent or grandparent working at Snap-on or as an official distributor.

Snap-on has also been instrumental in the creation and ongoing success of the Future Focus Fund, UW-Parkside's largest need-based student scholarship and emergency aid fund. In its first five years of being awarded to students, the fund has supported 442 students, awarded approximately $568,230 to students, and raised nearly $1 million from 903 unique donors.

Snap-on's commitment to UW-Parkside is also evident in their support of many initiatives in the College of Business, Economics, and Computing through the years, including the IT Practice Center, a hub of innovation and practical learning for our students.

Snap-on's support of UW-Parkside extends beyond financial contributions. They actively recruit interns from the university, offering our students invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience and to build professional networks that will serve them well in their future careers.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national, and global communities. We are a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. The campus serves as a premier comprehensive public institution and a destination of choice, serving as a focal point of local, regional, and global progress.

Media contact:

Derek Fye

Communications Manager

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

[email protected] | (262) 771-5419