IUPUI Chancellor Emeritus Bepko
Gerald “Jerry” Bepko was the chancellor of IUPUI from 1986 to 2003. During his 17-year tenure, IUPUI experienced considerable growth, both in the expansion of the campus and in the breadth of academic offerings. His guidance led to the creation of more than 20 buildings spread around campus, and his emphasis on the support of incoming undergraduate students culminated in the creation of University College in 1998. In 2015, he received the University Medal from IU President McRobbie for his hard work in building the IUPUI of today. This is the highest award made by Indiana University.
The chancellor’s name has become a hallmark for quality and achievement on the IUPUI campus, with numerous awards, achievements, and programs named in his honor, including the Bepko Learning Center in University College, and, of course, the IUPUI Bepko Scholars and Fellows Program.
Chancellor Emeritus Jerry Bepko was born on April 21, 1940, and passed away on September 5, 2023. Each scholar is selected to join the Bepko Scholars and Fellows Program because they exhibit the same values that Chancellor Bepko lived—integrity, humanity, and a deep commitment to community. All current scholars and future ones will uphold his legacy and carry his values throughout their lifetime.