Robert Wagner, chairman, and CEO of The Wagner Companies was recently presented with an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Wagner graduated from MSOE in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering and has been a member of the Board of Regents since 2002.

After graduation, Wagner worked as one of only two mechanical engineers at Louis Allis Company, an electric motor manufacturer. A few years later, Wagner’s father asked him to join his company, R&B Wagner, which created and manufactured innovative metal products for the fabricating industry. After decades of growth and acquisitions, R&B Wagner became The Wagner Companies and is now employee-owned.

As chairman and CEO, Wagner is actively involved in increasing the company’s expertise in architectural railing innovations and contract metal manufacturing.

He has remained connected to MSOE for years through his philanthropic support of the university and its students. Wagner is also passionate about volunteering and helping the community through his church, Wisconsin Humane Society, The Salvation Army, Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, Wisconsin Arts Board and more.

Click here for MSOE’s video presentation that highlights Wagner’s career and philanthropy.

Founded in 1850 by Julius Wagner, The Wagner Companies has been committed to creating and manufacturing innovative metal products. Today, Wagner is an industry leader in metal fabricating, architectural railings and railing components. Architects, contractors, fabricators, and glaziers rely on the company’s building code expertise and engineering capabilities. Wagner’s niche focus in life safety combined with local market knowledge enables the company to innovate railing systems and architectural lighting to meet customer needs.