Vandenbosch, Amry (1894-1990) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Amry Vandenbosch was born on December 4, 1894 in Michigan. Vandenbosch attended Calvin College for 2 years, but when WWI broke out he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Vandenbosch initially was assigned to the machine gun company, however his knowledge of the French language proved to be a valuable skill to the U.S. Army. He was transferred to be on special assignment as a liaison between American and French generals. This assignment piqued his interested in international diplomacy. Once Vandenbosch returned from the war, he resumed his education, this time at University of Chicago where he earned his degree in 1920. He went on to earn his Ph.D. where he focused on themes of international law and politics as well as Dutch colonialism.

In 1926 Vandenbosch accepted a faculty position at the University of Kentucky's political science department. "Dr. Van" as he was affectionately known as would remain at the University of Kentucky for the rest of his career. Although he did take a break from academia to help serve in WWII with the OSS and as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. At the University of Kentucky. He served as head of the political science department from 1933 to 1958 and as the first director of the Patterson School for six years. He also was served as president for both the Southern and the Midwestern Political Science Associations.

Throughout his career he was bestowed many honors such as an honorary doctorate. On October 21, 1990 Amry Vandenbosch passed away. He was survived by his wife, Mary Belle Wilcox, and their two children.