The Max William Hanners Scholarship honors the legacy and memory of retired Roadrunner and UTSA alumnus Max Hanners. After earning an M.S. in environmental science in 1992, he was hired by longtime UTSA staffer John Massey to form the fledgling Safety Office now known as Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management. During this time, he was appointed as the UTSA Radiation Safety Officer and was part of a tight-knit group officially called The Radiation Advisory Safety Group who represent The University of Texas System and each UT component. Later as Assistant Director of IT at UTSA, Max helped oversee construction on key components of the Downtown Campus, the Rec and Wellness Center, and the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building. After 20 years of service, Max retired and was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away at 61. Max's wife Susan Whitley funded a permanent scholarship in his name that will be awarded every year in perpetuity. She invites others to join her in supporting a scholarship that will help students in the College of Sciences this next year.

To make a gift to the scholarship fund, click the giving options on the right. You may also leave a story or memory in the box below about Max and his impact at UTSA below. Stories will be shared on this page.

Share a memory of Max

"I met Max in 2002 when he transferred to OIT from Facilities.  Heard many great stories over the years, which I will not detail!  We would exchange dog treats from time to time.  I could just leave Scooter treats on his desk, without a note, and I’d come in another time to find a t-bone in a baggie on my desk for my fur babies.  I heard about Max and Susan’s weekends at the lake.  And I knew that he enjoyed Jeff Dunham shows on cable… especially Achmed!!  This really doesn’t do our 10-year friendship justice, but Max was a wonderful soul and is greatly missed!"

– Cindy L. Colston
 

"Love of my life. Gone too soon."

– Susan
 

"Max was a good friend and neighbor. A person you could count on. He not only helped me with several projects around the house, he would help other neighbors as well. I truly miss our talks and stories we shared. Max will always be in my heart and mind. Miss you Brother!"

– Carlos Leos
 

"I worked with Max for years on the safety committee for the UT System Interim Storage Facility. This involved site visits to far West Texas. There were many memorable trips, as Max and I visited local establishments, each proclaiming to have the best chicken fried steak in Texas. Max was always in a good mood, and we always had a great time. He was a very dedicated professional, ensuring things were done right. He will be sorely missed."

– Bob Emery

"I first met Max when he was a groundskeeper here. I enjoyed chatting with him. Then one day he came into my environmental statistics class as a graduate student, and we developed a strong rapport. He was such a humble and soft-spoken person. After he graduated, UTSA hired him on staff, and we remained connected. It’s just really an honor to recognize someone like Max Hanners. One never knows how lucky he is to cross paths with so many great people. Max was definitely a great guy."

-Jerry Keating

"Amazing individuals such as Max Hanners made UTSA a special place. His legacy will live on forever!"

-Hassan Barzani