Montana State University senior Max Demarais, a Butte native majoring in construction engineering technology, has been awarded the $10,000 Schweiger Memorial Scholarship — one of the nation’s most competitive honors for students entering the construction industry.
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The scholarship is funded by Advanced American Construction, a Portland-based company that established the award to support outstanding undergraduates, apprentices, and military veterans preparing for leadership roles in construction.
Flynn Murray, an assistant teaching and research professor of civil engineering at MSU and Demarais’ mentor, praised his student’s well-rounded accomplishments.
“Max is an exceptional student who stands out not only for his academic excellence, but also for his leadership, resilience and compassion,” Murray said. “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 also holds the Mitchell Professorship in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, a position created earlier this year through a $1 million private gift dedicated to expanding access in STEM for students with disabilities.
For Demarais, the award adds to a growing list of achievements during his years at Montana State. He previously earned another $10,000 scholarship from the Beavers Charitable Trust, a nonprofit that supports heavy construction education. Earlier this year, he was also part of an MSU team that won the 2025 Associated Schools of Construction’s Regional Estimating and Bidding Competition in Reno, Nevada — a victory that highlighted the university’s growing national reputation in construction engineering education.
Reflecting on his success, Demarais said the recognition deepens his motivation to continue pursuing excellence.
“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.”
A first-generation Hilleman Scholar, Demarais represents Montana students with strong academic and leadership potential. In addition to excelling academically, he has served as a student ambassador for MSU’s engineering college and has been an active member of the Engineering Peer Academic Leaders club for three semesters, mentoring peers and supporting the college community.
Looking ahead, Demarais plans to stay rooted in Montana while building his career.
“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.”
He intends to work for a heavy civil contractor after graduation, contributing to infrastructure and construction projects across the state.
The Schweiger Memorial Scholarship is regarded as one of the top awards in construction education, honoring students who combine technical skill with leadership and service. For Montana State, Demarais’ achievement underscores the university’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in the building industry.
Originally reported by Skip Anderson, MSU News Service in Montana State University.
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