The world is vast, but for MSOE alumnus Michael “Mike” Powalish ’01, it feels smaller among fellow Raiders. Since the day he arrived at MSOE as a mechanical engineering major, Mike has traveled the globe with close friends who share a common bond—his alma mater. His post-graduation journey reflects the lasting connections he built as a student, exemplifying the tight-knit community MSOE graduates are known for—one that spans decades and continents.

Mike’s interest in engineering began early. At his high school in Roscoe, Illinois, he joined the Tech-Prep, where he was introduced to mechanical engineering. “I worked in manufacturing plants learning to run lathes, mills and other various types of CNC equipment,” Mike recalled. “It really got me interested in mechanical engineering, which is why I applied to MSOE.”

Once he came to campus in 1998 to study mechanical engineering, that early interest sharpened into a career-ready skill set. The rigorous coursework taught him more than formulas—it instilled a relentless work ethic and the discipline to see problems through. MSOE also broadened his perspective, encouraging him to travel abroad and visit friends who lived overseas.

After graduating in 2001, Mike began his career as a manufacturing engineer at Emerson Process Management in Minnesota. Though new to the area, he quickly found a sense of community, connecting with fellow MSOE alumni at Twins games.

After a decade with Emerson, he returned to Milwaukee to join Cargill as a Continuous Improvement Lead, traveling to food production sites nationwide. In 2013, a close friend and fellow MSOE alumna tipped him off to an Optimization Engineer role at SABMiller (now Molson Coors). Mike took the leap, and nearly 14 years later, he serves as Regional Global Start Up Management (GSUM) Lead, overseeing large-scale brewery and beverage operations.

One of Mike’s proudest moments was during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when he managed the installation of a new packaging line at the Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls. “There were many challenges getting resources and people in place,” he said. “But once it was up and running, it was incredible to see everything come together and the pack hall operating with modern equipment.”

As his career flourished, his friendships with fellow Raiders went global, taking him from Brewer’s spring training in Phoenix to some of the world’s biggest stages. In recent years, Mike and a group of MSOE alumni have attended multiple Olympic Games, most recently traveling to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. “It was an amazing experience, especially watching Team USA take gold in women’s freestyle skiing.”

Mike’s commitment to the university came full circle when he served on the Alumni Association Board from 2019 to 2025. “I loved staying connected—seeing how MSOE continues to evolve and maintaining those alumni relationships,” he said.

In his experience, MSOE has been a catalyst not only for his career, but for the lifelong friendships he’s built and the connections he continues to make in the workplace and beyond.

As a new class of seniors prepares to graduate, Mike views MSOE as the bedrock of a life grounded in community, far beyond just professional success. His advice to the Class of 2026 reflects his own journey: “MSOE will be one of the hardest—and most rewarding—experiences you’ll ever have. What you learn here translates directly to the real world and sets you up for success.”