The Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award - 2015: Rear Adm. Mathias Winter ’84

2015: Rear Adm. Mathias Winter ’84

In recognition of his decades of leadership in the United States Navy, Rear Adm. Mathias Winter ’84 is presented with the Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award, which honors a Notre Dame graduate who has distinguished himself or herself in military service. The award is named for Notre Dame’s third president, who served as the chaplain of the Irish Brigade during the Civil War.

"As a career Naval Officer and proud Class of 1984 Irish alum, I am honored to receive this year's Rev. William Corby Award,” Rear Adm. Winter said. “My time at Notre Dame provided me the moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation to succeed in my naval career.”

Rear Adm. Winter graduated from the University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He received his commission through the Navy ROTC program and was designated a naval flight officer in 1985. Rear Adm. Winter served operational tours as a bombardier and navigator, making multiple deployments on several aircraft carriers. He has held many leadership positions with the Navy, including as commander of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, as assistant commander for Test and Evaluation for Naval Air Systems Command, and as program executive officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. 

In December 2014, Rear Adm. Winter was named the chief of Naval Research, as well as the director for Innovation Technology Requirements and Test & Evaluation. 

“Our Lady's University continues to successfully generate the next generation of our military and civilian leaders essential to ensuring a brighter America aligned in strong moral and ethical values,” Rear Adm. Winter said. “With this award, I am humbled to be recognized as part of the long history of Fighting Irish who have and continue to serve this great country of ours."