Grad student Dan Chaney

Dan Chaney, graduate criminology student.

Dan Chaney, graduate criminology student, passed away March 8 from heart complications related to a virus while he was visiting Guatemala at the age of 39.

“Dan was not a student who merely walked from his on-campus apartment to class each day, he was involved in shaping our university,” said Linda Contreras Bullock, assistant dean of student diversity. “His presence at this institution forever changed the campus climate and our awareness of students with disabilities.”

Chaney had asperger syndrome, an autism-related disorder where individuals exhibit difficulties with social interaction, along with repetitive patterns of behavior.

“When Dan shared his experiences and challenges with us, we responded swiftly, holistically, and with compassion and in the process we learned from him,” Bullock said. “We will not only miss him on campus, but also his participation in IISS’s programs and events.”

Before attending UHCL, Chaney earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in education from Sam Houston State University. Chaney served as an orientation leader and participated in student leadership programs at UHCL. He graduated with a master’s degree in behavioral sciences from UHCL in fall 2007.

“Personally, I valued his inquiring mind, his thoughtful questions, his vast knowledge and his quest to learn more through his love of reading and travel,” Bullock said.

Chaney was pursuing a master’s degree in criminology, which would have been conferred at the end of this semester.

“There are many of us who can share a favorite Dan moment,” Dean of Students Anthony Jenkins said. “His presence became a welcoming hallmark to our community. Dan embodied an extraordinary zeal for life and people. Each of our lives is better because we had the pleasure of knowing Dan Chaney.”