As morning sunlight spreads across campus, the AU Arboretum and Gardens come alive. Folks hurry along, stopping to greet friends and finding moments to pause amid the more than 5,000 trees and 500 plant varieties that make up the university’s renowned landscape—not always aware of the global significance surrounding them.
When Mong-Yong Chung, Kogod/MBA ’91, arrived on campus as an international graduate student, he was already acquainted with American University. His brother-in-law, Dr. H.K. Kim, had been a longtime professor at the School of International Service and served as the director of the school’s Center for Asian Studies.
Yet, like any other student, Chung took his own path through campus, walking by new and familiar sites. On any given day, he might have passed the Korean cherry trees dating back to 1943—a symbol of personal friendship and ties between AU and his home, the Republic of Korea. Planted near the School of International Service by AU President Paul F. Douglass and Korean leader Syngman Rhee, the trees initially served as a statement for Korean independence from Japanese colonial rule.
Years later, they continue to reflect this important bond and AU’s dedication to democracy, human rights, and the global community.
Soon after graduating from AU, Chung, who has long been interested in forging partnerships between the United States and Korea, assumed his current role as CEO of Hyundai Sungwoo Holdings, an enterprise founded by his father Soon-Yung Chung, the brother of Hyundai founder Ju-Yung Chung.
Over the years, Chung has led Hyundai Sungwoo through tremendous expansion and international success, boosting economies in Korea and abroad.
At the same time, he has remained committed to his alma mater, creating ways to deepen connections.
Most recently, Chung made a gift to the Kogod School of Business and School of International Service to foster the next generation of global leaders through study, work, service, and research experiences. His gift created the Chung Scholars, a program for domestic and international students from Korea, and the Chung Endowed Fund for Korean Experiential Exchange.
Scholarships through the Chung Scholars program support AU’s graduate students with ties to Korea and opportunities for domestic students to intern or study in Korea. The Korean Experiential Exchange funds AU students participating in out-of-the-classroom learning in Korea or with Korean-based organizations and entities. The exchange supports study and travel abroad, internships, global practicum courses, and research activities for students and faculty in Korea or on topics related to the region.
This experience has broadened my horizons and provided me with valuable insights that will stay with me throughout my career.
Only a few years since the launch, students from the US and Korea are benefiting from both programs, advancing their cultural acumen and preparing them for impactful, purposeful careers across industries and around the globe.
“I had the opportunity to live in the United States and gain in-depth knowledge about many academic fields in business. Not only was I able to enhance my expertise in finance, but I also gained a more comprehensive outlook regarding business and economy. This experience has broadened my horizons and provided me with valuable insights that will stay with me throughout my career.” – Chung Scholar (Kogod School of Business)
“Mr. Chung’s commitment and contributions to AU are profound. They weave together his AU, personal, family, and community experiences with an investment in excellence for the future,” noted School of International Service Dean Shannon Hader. “He exemplifies the values of service and leadership that American University holds dear,” added Kogod School of Business Dean Dave Marchick.
Chung’s philanthropic imprint also spans the university campus. In 2008, he helped establish the Korean Garden through his company, further enhancing the AU Arboretum. The garden, which boasts the historic cherry trees, is a beautiful reminder of the importance of understanding the global community and reflects the enduring ties between AU and Korea.
Photo courtesy of American University/by Jeff Watts
