Inaugurated in 2018 upon the retirement of Professor Mark Amstutz, the Amstutz Political Science Award recognizes Wheaton graduates who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service in public life. Recipients’ contributions consist of a minimum of 15 years dedicated to the fulfillment of the common Good of society as it aligns with the college’s mission to equip students to fulfill Christ’s calling; as well as outstanding commitment in service of the United States of America.
Amstutz Award
Born to Colombian missionaries, Mr. Clyde D. Taylor spent his early life abroad before attending Wheaton College where he received his Bachelor's degree (‘59) and later American College’s School of International Service for his Masters degree (‘61). Thinking back to his graduation, in a recent interview, Mr. Taylor remarked, “a career in the Foreign service felt natural.”
Mr. Taylor honorably served the U.S. Foreign Service for a combined total of 34 years across 70 countries with a focus on Latin and South America. In 1985 he was appointed as Ambassador to Paraguay where he completed a 3 year post before retiring in 1988.
Currently, former Ambassador Taylor continues to serve as executive director of the Una Chapman Cox Foundation. This 501 C3 Charity supports Foreign Service Officers with educational and financial backing. Additionally, he serves in the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank aimed at informing readers regarding international affairs.
Wheaton College is proud to present former Ambassador Taylor with the 2018-2019 Amstutz Award given his career of outstanding public service through the Foreign Service and dedication to education post retirement. His 40+ years of service across multiple disciplines showcase self-sacrifice and embody what it means to be a Wheatie.
Roger Winter, (1942-2023) formerly served in the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, dedicating over two decades of service toward humanitarian relief in Africa. Graduating Wheaton college in 1964, Mr. Winter promptly began a lifelong pursuit of peace on an international scale. Best known for his extensive reporting of underrepresented and impoverished communities in Africa, he acted as an advocate against injustices, drawing attention to political discourse through the illumination of otherwise untold violence. “The Spear Carrier,” a name given to Mr. Winter by his closest colleagues, received Rwanda's National Liberation Medal, and Rwanda's Campaign Against Genocide Medal, both of which were presented by President Paul Kagame in the post Rwandan Genocide era. Mr. Winter fearlessly pursued peace as during the forsaid genocide, he visited the liberated zone on multiple occasions and was the first foreigner in country to visit a mass grave site after the 100 days of killing. Mr. Winter’s attitude of perseverance carried over from his time in Rwanda when shifting focus to the rising conflict in Sudan. His numerous reports made Mr. Winter a prominent television character as he showcased the rising tensions and eventual conflict in Sudan’s civil war. He advocated for a peaceful transfer of power between the North and South and is a primary reason for the South’s eventual independence in 2011.
One account of Mr. Winter’s exploits that showcases the dangers he faced is that of his own kidnapping in Nairobi, Kenya. He was taken off the street, robbed of all his possessions, and dumped a few hours later in the countryside. Unknowledgeable of his surroundings, and enduring frustration, Mr. Winter was eventually rescued and ultimately thanked God for this experience because it provided, “another view of how human beings behave.” Instead of turning tail after such an arduous event, Mr. Winter remained headstrong in his dedication to the people whom he served.
In recognition of his service to the Sudanese people and the entirety of Africa, Mr. Winter was named an Honorary citizen of South Sudan in 2021. His wisdom and mentorship saved lives in times of conflict and his demonstration of Christ’s values promoted humanitarian relief to an otherwise uneducated international community. Wheaton College thanks Mr. Winter for his service and embodiment of Christ’s mission with the bestowment of the Amstutz Award for extraordinary public service.
Mrs. Barbara Alexander currently resides as the President of the OSINT Foundation, a 501 c3 charity that focuses on education while promoting open source trade regarding intelligence. Graduating Wheaton in 1977, she assumed a role as a U.S. Intelligence Officer before transitioning to the Senior Executive Service. Mrs. Alexander began a lifetime of public service beginning as a European military-political analyst with the DIA, quickly promoting to the position of Deputy for Counterproliferation. In 2010 Mrs. Alexander directed the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber, Infrastructure, and Science Division. This role translates to her current task, overseeing a think-tank equivalent charity that aims to alleviate the government’s burden regarding the collection and trade of intelligence.
Mrs. Alexander shares her success by giving back to the Wheaton College community by guest lecturing within the Political Science department and by residing on Wheaton College’s Alumni Association Board. Wheaton College thanks Mrs. Alexander for her continued commitment to self sacrifice through public service and recognizes her success by bestowing the Amstutz Award.
Major General Mark Inch (Retired) served the United States honorably for over 35 years, beginning his career of public service through the Army after graduating as a part of Wheaton College’s class of 1982. Throughout his military service, General Inch received numerous accommodations for his leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in a combat zone. After his extensive service with the military, under the administration of former President Donald Trump, General Inch was appointed by Jeff Sessions to reside as the 9th director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Upon the inauguration of the Biden administration, General Inch moved to Tallahassee Florida where he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis as Secretary of the Department of Corrections. In 2021 General Inch retired, but continues to reside in Florida,
General Inch’s extensive career of public service including his numerous military tours embody self-sacrifice. His commitment to the nation while actively pursuing Christ highlights what it means to pursue a cause greater than one’s self. Wheaton College thanks General Inch for his service and humbly presents this servant leader with the Amstutz Award.
Graduating as a part of Wheaton College’s class of 2000, David Fabrycky studied under professor of political science Dr. David Amstutz who believes Wheaton’s liberal arts approach to education acts as, “excellent preparation for diplomatic service.” Upon graduation, Fabrycky worked as an economic officer in Qatar representing the United States, where he handled financial policy for the nation. Later he served as a political officer in Jordan, and thereafter, an analyst overseeing Turkey and Asia Minor. Currently, Mr. Fabrycky continues to serve through the Foreign Service where he maintains relations with Germany through the policy sector of the FS. Wheaton College thanks Mr. Fabrycky for his extraneous commitment to the betterment of the nation. As a result of his humble service while promoting Christ first, the Political Science and International relations department presents Mr Fabrycky with the Amstutz Award.