Myung Keun Chang is the 2025 recipient of the Joon S. Moon International Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who are former international students that have gone on to make outstanding contributions or have demonstrated leadership in a particular field, community, organization or government.

“Receiving the Joon S. Moon Distinguished International Alumni Award is a tremendous honor and a significant recognition of my journey with Michigan State University,” Chang said. “This award reflects not only my professional achievements but also the values of service and community that MSU has instilled in me.”

Chang earned both his master’s and doctorate degrees in environmental engineering from Michigan State. Since then, he’s led Samyang Water Systems Co., Ltd. in Seoul and, most recently, acted as chief consultant for privately-owned environmental consulting firms Gnaymas Consultants and Waves to Oceans, Ltd.

In addition to his professional achievements, Chang is deeply involved in charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Korea, serving as the director for the Seoul branch, and as auditor for Bridge of Hope, an NGO that helps people in developing countries break the cycle of poverty.

Chang’s commitment to his alma mater MSU is also remarkable. He regularly contributes his time and expertise by volunteering for advisory roles and mentoring initiatives. He generously gives to a variety of projects aimed to support students, and the active role he plays in the MSU Korean Alumni Association is of great significance.

While all these contributions are meaningful, there is one that truly sets Chang apart from his fellow Spartans. In the spring of 2017, Chang began his quest to preserve the memories of Korean War veterans who had attended MSU. As he poured over newspaper clippings, articles from alumni newsletters, letters from family members and other archival materials, he discovered many alumni served in the Korean War. Through his research, Chang was able to discern 16 Spartan alumni were killed or missing in action during the Korean War.

“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,” wrote Bingbing Chen, associate director of International Advancement, in her nomination letter.

“[The 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,” said Chang.

In a speech Chang gave during the annual Korean Alumni Association concert last November, as a way to memorialize all 16 Spartan alumni who lost their lives, he called each person’s name.

In November 2022, Chang also visited the cemeteries of the five alumni buried throughout Michigan when he was on campus for the inauguration of Demonstration Hall Plaza, a time when Korean War veterans were also commemorated with an engraved brick he funded.

“This award inspires me to continue my volunteer efforts, fostering connections and supporting those in need. I am deeply grateful to MSU for this recognition and for the opportunity to connect with fellow alumni who share a commitment to making a positive impact in the world,” Chang said.