What began as a comprehensive search through old letters and newspaper clippings became a mission of remembrance for Myung Keun Chang, honoring the service of Spartan veterans who served in the Korean War.
Myung holds a master’s and doctorate degree in engineering from MSU and is the 2025 recipient of the Joon S. Moon International Distinguished Alumni Award which recognizes former international students who have made outstanding contributions or demonstrated leadership.
Myung’s quest to preserve the memories of Korean War veterans who had attended MSU began in 2017. As he poured over articles from alumni newsletters, letters from family members and other archival materials, he discovered many Spartans served in the Korean War. Through his research, Myung was able to discern 16 alumni were killed or missing in action during the war.
At the inauguration of Demonstration Hall Plaza in 2022, Korean War veterans were commemorated with an engraved brick Myung funded. Myung visited the cemeteries of the five alumni buried in Michigan as part of his trip to MSU for the ceremony.
Myung also memorialized the 16 Spartan alumni who lost their lives by calling each person’s name in a special address at the 2024 annual Korean Alumni Association concert.
“Dr. Chang’s personal mission to honor MSU veterans who have fought in Korea exemplifies the Spartan spirit of service and remembrance and has shed light on the deep bonds between the U.S. and Korea, which was once upheld by those brave MSU veterans,” says Bingbing Chen, former associate director of International Advancement at MSU.
Myung’s commitment to his alma mater is remarkable. He actively volunteers for advisory roles and mentoring initiatives. He generously gives to projects that support students. And he is a familiar face in the MSU Korean Alumni Association.
Myung also recognizes how the Joon S. Moon International Distinguished Alumni Award highlights the importance of giving back and acknowledges the contributions of those who came before us.
“My recent research of MSU alumni who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War was driven by a desire to honor their legacy and promote understanding of our alumni who fought in this often-overlooked conflict,” says Myung.
LEARN MORE about the Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students by contacting Associate Director of Development Cooper Adams at adamscoo@msu.edu or (517) 353-7379 or visit MSU CrowdPower. To learn more about support for International Studies and Programs, contact Senior Director of Development Michael Lindhout at lindhou7@msu.edu or (517) 432-7091.
A version of this story originally appeared here.