Peter T. Suzuki

The early World War II years held little promise for Peter Suzuki.A native of Seattle, he and his family were among the unfortunate citizens confined to camps by the United State War Relocation Authority as a “precautionary” measure.The Suzukis were Japanese-Americans.It was 1942, and Peter Suzuki was 13 years old. “We never lived as a family after that,” Suzuki recalls today, from his office in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service on the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus.“Our parents somehow took it in stride and passed their attitude on to us.”Fortunately, Suzuki’s experience as an adolescent led not to debilitating bitterness, but rather to strengthening his resolve “to educate the public to build a better world.” Following two and one-half years of internment, Suzuki moved to Ann Arbor, MI, and then to Connecticut to be near his parents following their release.He completed high school in New England and entered New York City's Columbia University where he earned a B.A. degree in 1951 and a Master of Arts degree in anthropology the following year.He supported himself with income from financial aid programs and work as a cook and houseboy.Following study at John Hopkins and Yale, he earned a Master of Philosophy degree and Ph.D. in anthropology from Leiden University, the Netherlands. Suzuki joined UNO in 1973, after having taught at universities in Turkey, Crete, and West Germany. Suzuki is a respected researcher who has established an international reputation as an expert in urban planning as well as in ethnicity.He has been awarded 15 fellowships and grants, including two NATO fellowships, a John Hay Whitney Foundation fellowship, and a Fulbright grant.He has been deeply involved in the European Studies Conferences at UNO and has presented numerous papers at meetings throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe on topics as diverse as “Anthropological Linguistics” and “The Urban Freeway System of the Netherlands.” He has served as consultant on projects for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U. S. Army and Air Force, and the United Indians of Nebraska, among others. An interest in building bridges of understanding between groups has led him to pursue unconventional projects.For example, he once worked as a jitney car driver in an impoverished Omaha neighborhood. Along with generating professional articles, the experience led him to a conviction that the jitney system merits serious consideration and support “as a viable service in areas where public transportation may be inadequate.”Suzuki also is working to increase public awareness and understanding of the needs of Indians in Omaha and on area reservations. Professor Suzuki was named a University of Nebraska Foundation Professor of Public Administration in 1983. Peter was preceded in death by by his wife Carol Suzuki; He is survived by his son: Wesley (Bette) Suzuki; Siblings: James (Yuri) Suzuki, Sally Oyabe; Grandchildren: Sarah and Lee; Dear friend,Pat Loontjer Celebration of Peter’s Life Friday, August 26, 2016 at 11:00AM at Christ Community Church (Chapel) 404 S 108th Ave. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Peter Suzuki Scholarship, C/O UNO Foundation, 2285 s. 67 st. #200, Omaha, NE 68106 or Nebraska Humane Society Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE68137 402-895-3400