A group of people posing in front of a building with a sign that says "PENN ROBOTICS" and a logo for a robotics team.

Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab Unveiled

Posted on May 13, 2026

This afternoon P-H-M and Penn High School Administration along with the P-H-M Education Foundation officially unveiled the updated entryway for Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab at Penn High School. The lab is where Penn’s Robotics classes are held and Teams 135 (Black Knights) and 328 (Golden Rocks) work out of. Manufacturing and welding classes are also held in this area.

Schafer Industries donated $25,000 payable over 5 years to name the robotics lab as part of the P-H-M Education Foundation’s Naming Rights campaign.

Schafer Gear Works Penn Robotics Lab logoPenn Robotics and Penn Graphic Design students designed the graphic that features Schafer’s name on the garage door entry to the lab.

Teachers and students gathered with representatives from P-H-M, PHMEF, Penn and Schafer Industries were on hand to celebrate the newly named Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab.

  • Schafer Gear Works: Eric Van Rens (CEO); Paresh Shah (Director of Operations); Mike Lashure (VP of Sales); Alex Beagles (Production Manager); Barb Shklar (Director of HR); and Kelly Lowry (HR Manager)
  • P-H-M Board Members: Vice President Ryan McCollough, Secretary Dana Sullivan, and Member Jen Smoker
  • P-H-M Administration: Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sean Galiher, and Asst. Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null_
  • PHM Education Foundation: Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom; and Board Members: Tania Bengstsson, Kelli Collins, Allison Laidig, Mindy Steele, and Kelly Weidner
  • Penn High School Administration: Principal Rachel Fry, Asst. Principal Josiah Parker; along with Penn teachers Kyle Marsh (Robotics), Stephen Vincent (Robotics), and Scott Shellart (Welding & Manufacturing)
 
Group of people posing in front of a building with a sign that reads "PENN ROBOTICS" and a logo for Schaefer.
 

In alignment with PHMEF’s long-term sustainability model, the donation will be directed to the PHMEF Endowment, ensuring support for innovative projects in P-H-M schools for years to come. A portion of the funds will also be allocated specifically to support Penn Robotics, strengthening competitive robotics opportunities and hands-on STEM learning for students.

“This investment reflects the heart of PHMEF’s mission of building sustainable support for innovation in our schools. With an endowment now exceeding $1 million, we are able to ensure that philanthropic partnerships like this one continue to grow opportunity for students well into the future,” said Jennifer Turnblom, Executive Director of PHMEF.
Two young men in a workshop setting, one leaning against a workbench with a drill press in the background, and another
Penn High School Robotics students give tour to representatives from Schafer Gear Works

“Schafer is very excited to partner with Penn High School with this unique opportunity related to the Robotics Laboratory,” commented Eric Van Rens, CEO Schafer Gear Works. By providing this naming grant to the Penn High School Robotics Laboratory, we hope to help create meaningful opportunities for students to explore STEM activities, hands-on problem solving and touch technologies that are critical to the work force of tomorrow. Workforce development activities such as this are truly an investment in the future of American manufacturing and engineering.”

The PHMEF Naming Rights Campaign provides community partners with the opportunity to invest in student success while supporting the foundation’s long-term mission through the endowment, grants, and programmatic support across the district.
 
 
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Last Modified May 13, 2026