Montana State senior from Butte wins competitive scholarship

BOZEMAN - A senior majoring in construction engineering technology at Montana State University recently won a $10,000 Schweiger Memorial Scholarship.

Max Demarais received the competitive scholarship funded by Advanced American Construction based in Portland, Oregon, which "aims to advance the education and career goals of outstanding college undergraduates and apprentices, and military veterans in the construction industry."

"Max is an exceptional student who stands out not only for his academic excellence, but also for his leadership, resilience and compassion," said Flynn Murray, assistant teaching and research professor of civil engineering. "He has a remarkable ability to uplift those around him, whether mentoring younger students, leading peers or contributing to the construction industry through hands-on experience. His grit, humility and drive inspire everyone who has the privilege of working with him, and I have no doubt he will make a lasting, positive impact in his field and in his community."

Murray, who serves as a mentor to Demarais, also holds the Mitchell Professorship in MSU's Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. The Mitchell Professorship was established earlier this year with a $1 million private donation "to support research related to removing barriers for students with disabilities in the STEM fields," Brett Gunnink, dean of the engineering college, said at the time.

In his time at MSU, Demarais has won multiple scholarships and honors, including another $10,000 scholarship from the heavy construction-related Beavers Charitable Trust. He also was part of the team of MSU students who won the 2025 Associated Schools of Construction's Regional Estimating and Bidding Competition held in Reno, Nevada.

"I feel a deep sense of pride in the honors I've earned," Demarais said. "This [Schweiger] recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to uphold the values that guide me."

Demarais, from Butte, is an MSU Hilleman Scholar. The Hilleman program supports Montana residents who demonstrate significant academic, leadership and career potential. He is also a student ambassador for MSU's engineering college and participated in the Engineering Peer Academic Leaders club for three semesters.

After graduation, Demarais plans to work for a heavy civil contractor in Montana.

"Grad school is also on my mind," he said. "But I want to get into the workforce for a few years to see what I really like to do."