Bob H. Suzuki

Bob H. Suzuki (January 2, 1936 – May 1, 2024) was an American educator and university administrator. He served as president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona from 1991 to 2003. His work focused on access to higher education and programs for students from underrepresented groups.

Early life and education

Suzuki was born on January 2, 1936, in Portland, Oregon. His parents were immigrants from Japan. During World War II, he was confined with his family at the Minidoka internment camp in Idaho.

Suzuki attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1962. He earned a PhD in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology in 1967. where he worked until his retirement in 2003. He was later cleared of malfeasance, though irregularities were noted in the final CSU report. Later he was criticized by CPP faculty, including a rare vote of no confidence, for a heavy-handed leadership style.

Honors and awards

National Education Association Human Rights Award for Leadership in Asian and Pacific Island Affairs (1976). San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership Technology Leadership Award (2001) Order of the Rising Sun (2003) American Council on Education Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award (2011) Association for Asian American Studies Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)

Personal life and death

Suzuki was married to Agnes Suzuki, and together they had three children. He died on May 1, 2024, at the age of 88.