Max Hunke, born in Mandan, North Dakota, was a member of the photography faculty, a photographer, and cameraman. He was also the official photographer for Montana College Athletics Department.

In his early years, Max worked in Yellowstone National Park for the Haines Company. It was there that he developed a love of nature and photography. He later worked for Nash Finch Company. Max took pride in the photographs he made in Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Valley, and Bozeman. Much history of the MSU and Bozeman were captured through the lenses of his cameras. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Algeria Shrine. Eagle, Bozeman Elks Lodge, and the Bozeman Camera Club. He loved his music and spent many hours recording Ed Pegram on the Wurlitzer organ in the Ellen Theater.

His love of photographs prompted him to establish the Hunke scholarship at MSU for deserving juniors in the program.

Alice Virginia Hunke, born in Helena in 1914, met and married Max J. Hunke on Nov. 9, 1941. The couple moved into the home in Bozeman built by her father and lived there until November 2001 when she moved into the Gallatin County Rest Home.

Alice worked for the Chamber Fisher Company in Bozeman for over than 50 years. Alice had a passion for music and was an accomplished pianist and organist. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Max of 63 years.

Alice and Max, never blessed with children, created the scholarship during their lifetimes. Upon the passing of Alice in 2005, a portion of their estate was designated to this scholarship.

Updated: 04/20/2016