Dixie State University is honoring Dr. Max H. Rose’s legacy of education in southern Utah with a scholarship fund established in his name.

Just as Rose, who passed away in June, worked to lift students, the Max Rose Memorial Scholarship will help science students accomplish their educational dreams by relieving some of the financial pressure college students typically face.

“This really does allow us to select students who would have been in Max’s classes and, in his tradition, empower them to find fulfillment in their careers and lives,” John Bowler, development officer at Dixie State, said.

Rose began his career teaching at Dixie State University in 1972. He taught math and chemistry. Many of his students loved him because of his keen intelligence, wit, charisma and cheerfulness — traits that helped him inspire countless people.

“I loved Dr. Rose’s energy and compassion for students. He truly was a student’s teacher,” Kelly Esplin, a Dixie State alumnus and local veterinarian, said.

Eventually, Rose became vice president of Academic Affairs at Dixie, the position that he held until he became superintendent of Washington County School District in 2003. Additionally, he served in a variety of roles within the community­­ — as a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in many capacities; as a member of Dixie State’s Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2014; as a member of the St. George Water and Power board and as chairman of Dixie Regional Medical Center’s governing board during the current hospital’s construction. He also served as chairman of the Dixie Center when it was still located on the Dixie State campus.

“Dr. Rose was one of the most influential educators I have ever had,” Dixie alumna Tiffany Isom Marchant said. “He cared so deeply about the students and made an effort to learn all the students’ names, even in a class of 60 to 80 students.”

To donate to the Max Rose Memorial Scholarship fund, please visit giving.utahtech.edu, fill out the short form, select “other” and specify the “Max Rose Memorial Scholarship.” For more information about helping Dixie State University accomplish its educational mission or to contribute over the phone, call the DSU Development Office at 435-652-7509.