KENOSHA, Wis. – At its 2026 Commencement ceremony, Carthage College awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to trustee emeritus and retired Kenosha business leader Robert A. Cornog in recognition of his transformative leadership in manufacturing, higher education, and civic life.
Cornog spent decades shaping both industry and community institutions throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including serving as the president and CEO of Snap-on Inc. from 1991 to 2001. After guiding the company through significant growth and international expansion, he retired as chairman in 2002.
“It is an institutional honor to make official today what Carthage has long known,” Carthage President John Swallow said during the degree conferral. “Your counsel is among the wisest this institution has received.”
Cornog graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in metallurgical engineering before beginning his career at Republic Steel. After earning an MBA from the University of Chicago, he moved to Kenosha to join MacWhyte Company, eventually rising to serve as president.
Engaged in civic leadership, Cornog chaired the influential Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and the forerunner to today’s Kenosha Area Business Alliance. In retirement, he served on the boards of major employers Johnson Controls, We Energies, Oshkosh Corporation, and Road America.
He and his wife, Ginger, a 1974 Carthage graduate, have generously supported the college. They established the Anton B. and Adele R. Altera Scholarship in honor of Ginger’s parents.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution photo from the honorary degree presentation is attached for your use. Caption information is below:
Retired Snap-on CEO Robert A. Cornog, left, receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Carthage College President John Swallow during the May 22 commencement ceremony.
