The Texas Instruments Alumni Association (TIAA) has provided $200,000 to The University of Texas at Dallas to create the Texas Instruments Alumni Association Student Support Fund at the Center for Vital Longevity. This contribution honors the memory of Max Post, who co-founded the alumni group in 1999 after a three-decade career with Texas Instruments.
Post served as the organization’s first president and organized the group to help former employees maintain social connections, pursue learning opportunities, and engage in community service. He passed away on July 4, but his family and colleagues note that his commitment to supporting retirees and fostering education continues through the association’s activities.
Larry James, a former TIAA president and longtime colleague of Post, stated that Texas Instruments viewed its retirees as a valuable resource for community engagement. This perspective became central to the alumni association’s mission, which emphasizes continuing education and social interaction for older adults.
Dr. Michael Rugg, director of the Center for Vital Longevity and a distinguished chair in behavioral and brain sciences, described the partnership with TIAA as essential to the center’s goals. He highlighted the importance of public science education and support for emerging research scientists. Rugg noted that Post’s advocacy and generosity were deeply appreciated by the center.
The new student support fund aims to assist future researchers while maintaining the relationship between the alumni association and the longevity center. The Center for Vital Longevity focuses on understanding cognitive development across the lifespan and creating treatments to prevent or slow cognitive decline.
Post’s daughter, Becky Post, shared that her father believed retirement marked a new chapter where individuals could pursue meaningful work. Another family member, Cindy Post, described him as humble and generous, noting that he prioritized investing in people and giving back to others.