DR. DONALD S. LUTZ
09/02/1943 - 01/14/2024
Dr. Donald S. Lutz, retired Professor of Political Science at the University of Houston, died on January 14th, 2024, at the age of 80. Preceded in death by his mother Eva Beatrice Groh and father Stephen Alexander Lutz, he is survived by his wife Linda Westervelt, son Austin Westervelt-Lutz, daughter-in-law Stephanie Brinker, and grandchildren Charles and Beatrice Lutz. Donald was the eldest of seven siblings: Mary Proctor, Lawrence, James (deceased), Brian, Yvonne, and Stephen. Born in Detroit, Donald was a faithful Tigers fan who rooted for the team and followed them closely throughout his life.
Donald was an award-winning, popular professor at the University of Houston. He received his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1965, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1969. He joined the faculty at the University of Houston in 1968 and was an active member of the Political Science department until his retirement in 2013. Donald taught classes in political theory with an emphasis on constitutions. His research interests were generally in the area where political theory and American politics intersect, with a focus on American state and national constitutionalism, as well as cross-national constitutionalism and constitutional theory in general. One of the appealing aspects of Lutz’s work was his success in blending both halves of the discipline theoretical and empirical - to create a better understanding of constitutions themselves, or what he often referred to as “constitutional design.”
During his career, Donald published a dozen books, countless book chapters and essays, and numerous scholarly articles. His books Preface to American Political Theory (1992), The Origins of American Constitutionalism (1988), Colonial Origins of the American Constitution: A Documentary History (1997), and Principles of Constitutional Design (2006) continue to be read by students and cited by scholars. Donald continued teaching for eleven years following a debilitating stroke, and he continued to read, research, write, and publish even in retirement.
Donald was active in building lasting programs at the University of Houston. He was instrumental in helping found the UH Honors College, serving as the Honors program director in the 1970s and identifying and recruiting Honors leadership thereafter. The programs he founded in Honors continue to inspire and educate the top undergraduate students at UH. Donald also served as the Director of Graduate Studies in Political Science (currently a top 50 Ph.D. program) and was the UH Faculty Senate President from 1978-79.
Like all good teachers, Donald left his mark on generations of students. Many of his former students are now teachers themselves, and channel Donald’s wisdom and scholarship to a new generation of students. Donald’s constitutional design simulation - the fictional island of “Tubdub” - is still used by many of his former students in their own classes. Shortly before his retirement, his former students and admirers contributed to a festschrift in his honor - an important scholarly body of work unique in that such a rare honor is typically bestowed after the honoree’s passing. The work was nominated for best book in 2009 for Political Science and History by the American Political Science Association.
The greatest love of his life was his family. His wife and partner Linda was his intellectual and spiritual companion for more than 50 years of marriage. They taught together at the University of Houston for several decades. His son Austin was his pride and joy. Donald was a kind and generous person who delighted in the company of others and formed communities no matter where he went. Nowhere was this more true than at Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston. Serving on the School Board during Austin’s attendance was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
Friends and former students will miss Donald and his hearty laugh, dry humor, and distinguishing eye patch. He was a friend, mentor, and teacher to many.
Cards of remembrance and prayer can be sent to his wife Linda at 300 Riverfront Drive, Apt. 4K, Detroit, MI 48226.