Steven Kanner, Past GSA President
College of Urban Affairs, MUPD, May ‘15

The Graduate Student Association sadly announces the August 7th death of Steven Kanner, a friend, classmate, and former GSA president.  Kanner graduated in May with a Master in Urban Planning and Development and went on to teach during summer semester in the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.

Serving as president of the Graduate Student Association during the previous two academic years, Kanner stepped up enthusiastically to lead the GSA board and its 150 members.  He planned events and activities and passionately advocated for graduate student causes.  He led the organization to create a graduate student voice across campus. 

Alex Roth, 2015/16 GSA President, developed a friendship with Kanner after working closely with him as GSA Treasurer.   He recalled, “Steven did a wonderful job fostering communication between people of different academic and regional backgrounds and is largely responsible for making the organization what it is today. We hope to continue Steven's vision and let GSA grow in number and scope. We will miss him dearly.”

Steven Kanner is survived by his wife, Karly Whitaker, and young daughter.