The Indiana University community is mourning the death, and celebrating the life and legacy, of IUPUI Chancellor Emeritus Gerald “Jerry” Bepko, who died on September 5, 2023, at age 83.
The longest-serving chancellor of IUPUI, Bepko held the position from 1986 to 2003. He also served as interim president of Indiana University from January 1, 2003, to August 31, 2003.
Bepko’s visionary leadership established IUPUI as a leading urban university. During his tenure, enrollment increased nearly 25 percent; the campus added more than 20 buildings; the research budget grew to more than $200 million; and his emphasis on supporting incoming undergraduate students led to the creation of University College.