Young Alumnus of the Year Award
Matthew W. Trautschold, Eng ’04
Appleton, Wis.
As a senior process engineer for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Matt Trautschold knows his position might not sound glamorous. “I don't think many people dream of designing or producing toilet paper for a living, but it's much more than just that,” he says.
He’s part of an engineering group that optimizes high-speed manufacturing equipment and retrofits commercial production equipment using cutting-edge instrumentation and controls. “I enjoy the challenge of complex, technical problem-solving,” he says. And he aims to continue building his knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches in manufacturing.
Matt says his Marquette years prepared him for this career and shaped his goals, which include “serving others, building friendships, and mentoring others to define their own success.” He volunteers his time with the town of Grand Chute, Wisconsin and joined Marquette's Annual Giving Campaign Committee to help increase the number of young alumni donors.
“Marquette is not just on-campus or in Milwaukee,” he explains. “It’s not a group of buildings. As Marquette alumni, we are part of a service-leader community of students, faculty, administrators, and alumni that have shared values and a shared experience. What we accomplished as students is important, but this award also goes to show how Marquette's mission is imparted to the world through its alumni.”
Name someone (past or present) with whom you’d like to have dinner.
If I had the chance, I would love to have dinner with Warren Buffett. He is a prolific philanthropist, a successful but conservative investor, and an amazing storyteller.
What is one of your favorite Marquette memories?
My favorite memories of school all stem from my time on the Marquette club swim team. Most of my social life came from that group. To this day, my best friends are from the team. Although we live across the country, we make time every year to get together for MU basketball games or concerts or just to catch up as a group.
Leave a congratulatory message for Matt!