Mike Beckage '87 Engineering Technology

Michael Beckage knows it can take time to reach goals. He worked upwards of 30 hours a week while pursuing an engineering education, so it took three and half years to earn his AA degree, and more than five years to claim his Cal Poly bachelor’s degree in 1987.

Beckage jokingly called it his 10-year plan.

He showed the same kind of patience in business: in 1990, he co-founded Diversified Technical Systems, Inc (DTS) with two partners, while working full time as an engineering systems specialist for Nissan to pay the bills. It took about 10 years for DTS to be profitable.

Today, DTS is a leading provider of electronic test and measurement electronics, sensors and software for critical testing applications required by the aerospace, automotive and defense industries.

His success propelled him into the College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 2019.

“I could not have done this without Cal Poly Pomona,” Beckage says. “I received a life-changing education there that enabled great personal success.

“My entire educational journey at Cal Poly Pomona was important to my career advancement,” he says. “Even before I received my degree, the knowledge that I gained incrementally led to promotions and increased responsibilities in the jobs I had while in school. The things I learned there applied directly to my work.”

As a member of the Dean’s Leadership Board, Beckage helped develop a highly popular student success strategy course on practical post-college concerns including resumes, job interviews and salary negotiation.

Beckage and his wife also donate to a CPP program that encourages women to study science and engineering, and another called Maximizing Engineering Potential (MEP), which he says helps people like him, those who have no choice but to work while in college.

“My story is a lesson,” he says. “Take full advantage of the unique opportunities a Cal Poly program offers. Work hard. Pay attention to detail and stick with it. You will achieve success.

“Also, extremely important: when you have success, make a point to give back.”