Bob H. Suzuki

Bob H. Suzuki
Born(1936-01-02)January 2, 1936
Portland, Oregon, U.S.
DiedMay 1, 2024(2024-05-01) (aged 88)
EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley (BS, MS)
California Institute of Technology (PhD)
OccupationsEngineer, educator, university administrator
Known forPresident of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (1991–2003)
SpouseAgnes Suzuki
Children3

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.[1][2]

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.[1][2] After the war, his family moved to an area near Spokane, Washington.[3]

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.[4] He earned a PhD in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology in 1967.[1][2]

Career

Suzuki worked as a research engineer at Boeing in Seattle, Washington. He later taught at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and at the University of Southern California.[1]

In the 1960s, Suzuki moved from engineering to education. He studied issues of access and equity in higher education. He wrote and spoke about Asian American students and the model minority myth.[3]

During this time Suzuki became involved in civil rights and community advocacy. He helped lead a nationwide movement that successfully pushed Congress to repeal the Emergency Detention Act of 1950. He also chaired the National Education Commission of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and served as vice chair of the Community Advisory Committee overseeing the desegregation of Pasadena's public schools.[3]

He worked as dean of graduate studies and research at California State University, Los Angeles from 1981 to 1985. He then was appointed as vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Northridge where he worked from 1985 to 1991.[1][2]

Suzuki became president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) in 1991,[5][6] where he worked until his retirement in 2003.[1][2]

Criticism

While president of CPP, Suzuki was investigated by the CSU Chancellor's Office for financial improprieties.[7][8] He was later cleared of malfeasance, though irregularities were noted in the final CSU report.[9][10] Later he was criticized by CPP faculty, including a rare vote of no confidence, for a heavy-handed leadership style.[11]

Honors and awards

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.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Johnson, Melanie (Spring 2024). "In Memoriam: Bob Suzuki". CPP Magazine. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Retrieved 2026-04-15.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Darling, Jordan B. (2024-05-31). "Bob Suzuki, Former Cal Poly Pomona President, Dies at 88". Daily Bulletin. Retrieved 2026-04-15.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "In Tribute to Dr. "Bob" Suzuki". Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2026-04-15.
  4. 1 2 3 "In Memoriam: President Emeritus Dr. Suzuki: Former University President Dedicated Life to Social Justice, Diversifying Education". CPP News. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2026-04-16.
  5. ↑ Gordon, Larry (1991-05-16). "CSUN Administrator to Head Cal Poly Pomona: Education: Bob Suzuki Faces Decision on Agricultural Lands. He Hopes for More Black and Latino Students". Los Angeles Times. p. 1.
  6. ↑ Hamilton, Denise (1991-07-01). "New President of Cal Poly Pomona Will Seek Change: Colleges: With an Engineering and Civil Rights Background and a Dissatisfaction with the Status Quo, Bob Suzuki Is Confident He Can Steer the Campus Toward the 21st Century". Los Angeles Times. p. 1.
  7. ↑ Hamilton, Denise (1993-08-15). "Cal Poly President Was Overpaid $10,000 in Housing Allowance: College: Bob Suzuki Accepted the Money Despite an Agreement Halting Payments Once His On-Campus Residence Was Renovated. He Says the Money Was Used for Proper Expenses". Los Angeles Times. p. 1.
  8. ↑ Hamilton, Denise (1993-06-16). "CSU Will Investigate Campus President's Employment of Friend: Education: Cal Poly Pomona Chief Bob Suzuki Asked for an Inquiry in the Wake of Reports that a Couple He Hired to Recruit in Asia Were Unqualified and Unproductive". Los Angeles Times. p. 11.
  9. ↑ Hamilton, Denise (1993-08-19). "New Data May Clear Suzuki of Wrongdoing: Education: CSU Spokesman Says New Documents Might Exonerate Head of Cal Poly Pomona in Accepting Housing Allowance After He Moved into Campus Home". Los Angeles Times. p. 3.
  10. ↑ "Pomona Audit of Cal Poly Urges Tougher Financial Controls". Los Angeles Times. 1994-05-04. p. 2.
  11. ↑ Weiss, Kenneth R. (1998-06-15). "Cal Poly Pomona Chief Is Focus of Campus Contention; Education: Faculty Criticizes Spending Practices and Choice for Commencement Speaker. Chancellor Says College Is Family and Must Learn to Live Together". Los Angeles Times. p. 1.
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