DePauw Stories

The DePauw community grieves the loss of its distinguished alumnus, trustee and loyal supporter Hirotsugu "Chuck" Iikubo ’57. Iikubo was an eminent business leader as well as an active proponent of international friendship and diplomacy. He passed away in Tokyo, Japan, on February 20, 2025. He was 90 years old.

“Chuck embodied the very best of DePauw's values: a commitment to excellence, a passion for lifelong learning and a dedication to fostering understanding,” said DePauw president Lori S. White. “His 40 years of service to DePauw and his tireless efforts to promote peace and cross-cultural collaboration have left an indelible mark on our university and the world. Chuck was truly the kind of leader our global society needs, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of DePauw students and alumni.”

Iikubo was a music performance major at DePauw, specializing in the organ. He was also a Rector Scholar and an active participant in the Men’s Hall Association. Born in Tokyo, Iikubo was a second-generation DePauw student, following in the footsteps of his father Shidzuo Iikubo, who graduated in 1923.

In his professional life, Iikubo earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the field of business management and decision-making. He was the founder and CEO of Decision Systems Inc., a Tokyo-based consulting organization whose clients included Honda Motor, Hitachi, NEC, Toshiba, Nomura Securities and others. Through his consulting work, he helped dozens of corporations improve their organizational efficiency. He also published multiple books, including “Managing Beyond the Ordinary,” which he co-authored with Charles H. Kepner.

Iikubo served for 16 years on the Board of Trustees at Aoyama Gakuin University in his home city of Tokyo. He was also named an Honorary Ambassador for the State of Indiana in 1993. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, Iikubo created the A-50 project, a private initiative to show gratitude for American assistance and cooperation in Japan’s postwar recovery. At a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and former Vice President Dan Quayle ’69, Iikubo said, "I sincerely hope the amicable relations of two great countries with extremely different backgrounds will work together toward providing stability in the world, while respecting each other's dignity and sharing the responsibility."

Throughout his life, Iikubo enthusiastically served his alma mater. He joined the DePauw University Board of Visitors in 1981, and he was an Alumni Citation recipient in 1987. In 1994, his generosity helped establish the Shidzuo Iikubo Gallery in honor of his father. Located in DePauw’s Emison Building, this gallery features art from the Arthur E. Klauser '45 Asian and World Community Collection as well as Tibetan art donated by Bruce Walker ’53. In 1998, Iikubo began his service to the Board of Trustees, eventually transitioning to a lifetime role in 2007. For his faithful contributions to the university and his successful career accomplishments, Iikubo was awarded the Old Gold Goblet in 2004.

Dave Berque, professor of computer science and vice president for academic affairs, said, “Chuck always enjoyed meeting with students when he visited campus, and on several occasions, he spoke to DePauw students who were traveling with me and with Professor Hiroko Chiba as part of a winter term course we teach in Japan. He delighted in getting to know the students, joking with them and also sharing with them his passion for promoting cross-cultural collaboration and world peace.”

Chiba, professor of Asian Studies and director of the Asian Studies program, added, “I greatly enjoyed spending time with Chuck when he was on campus or when I was in Tokyo. He enjoyed telling jokes, promoting cross-cultural communication, thinking about ways to encourage world peace and hosting events. On a personal level, I considered him to be a mentor and will be forever grateful for the lessons he taught me.”

During his last visit to DePauw in April 2018, Iikubo gave a presentation for the Asian Studies program about cross-cultural collaboration as well as a presentation in one of Berque’s courses. Iikubo also had the opportunity to play the organ in Kresge Auditorium during this visit, which is something he spoke about with great joy.

Iikibo will be remembered as a trusted advisor, mentor and friend to many within the DePauw community and throughout the world. He will forever remain an important and beloved part of the university story, its connection to Japan, and its reputation for producing leaders the world needs.

Iikubo is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yoshiko Iikubo.