After nearly two decades, Rutgers University proudly welcomed back alumni Professor Euichul “Charles” Jung for a heartfelt reunion with faculty, students, and the Korean community at the School of Communication and Information. Now serving as director of library services and professor of media studies at Sangji University in South Korea, Professor Jung's return underscored the enduring bonds within the Rutgers global network.
Professor Jung, who earned his Ph.D. in Communication from Rutgers in 2005, was a pivotal leader of the Korean Graduate Student Association (KGSA) and a dedicated member of the university community. During his doctoral studies, he contributed as a Reference Assistant at the Alexander Library and School of Communication and Information (SC&I) and taught 22 undergraduate classes in a range of disciplines including Asian Languages/Cultures, Political Science, and the Performing Arts. During his visit, he was able to reconnect with the Rutgers graduate and Korean student communities, explore ways to strengthen support for international students, and discuss future engagement with his alma mater.
A Homecoming to Remember
Hosted by the Rutgers University Foundation, the School of Communication and Information, and Ji-Yeung Jang, Assistant Vice President at Rutgers Global, in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs and the Asian American Cultural Center, Professor Jung's visit featured engaging discussions on community-building, post-pandemic student life, and the evolving influence of Korean culture in global media.
Jung was able to reconnect with his dissertation committee members, Professors Jack Bratich and Marija Dalbello, as well as with Tom Glynn and Tao Yang, reference librarians at the Alexander Library. He also visited the Korean studies library located at Scott Hall and discussed ways to promote Korean studies at Rutgers with Professor Young-mee Yu Cho, who has devoted her 28-year teaching career as a leading professor of Korean studies at Rutgers to enhancing the depth and quality of Korean studies education.
Among the key highlights of the visit:
- Bridging Generations: Professor Jung met with the current KGSA President and other Asian graduate and undergraduate students to discuss the importance of fostering community through social engagement, interfaith initiatives, volunteerism, and faculty mentorship.
- Post-Pandemic Student Experience: A conversation with Professor Mark Robson, Rutgers Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor and Distinguished Professor of Plant Biology, on the lasting impact of COVID-19 on student interactions in both New Brunswick and South Korea. The dialogue emphasized the need to transition students from virtual-only interactions to in-person academic and social experiences.
- Korean Culture and Media: Professor Jung discussed the role of global media in popularizing Korean culture, language, and traditions, making them more accessible to international audiences.
A Meaningful Dialogue: The Post-Dinner Discussion
A key event during his visit was a conversation facilitated by Ghada Endick, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life. Graduate students shared their experiences in student organizations such as KGSA, the Korean Student Association (KSA), and informal Korean cultural groups. Professor Jung reflected on his time at Rutgers, recounting how his experiences shaped his academic and professional journey. Students engaged in a candid Q&A session, seeking his insights on how to build lasting networks, develop their careers, and how Rutgers can further support its Korean and international student communities.
A Full-Circle Journey
During his week-long stay, Professor Jung's itinerary included meaningful engagements with faculty, students, and administrators.
Professor Jung was grateful for the efforts of faculty and staff who made his visit so memorable. “This visit really emphasized to me the essential role of global networking efforts to enable more and more Rutgers alumni in different countries and fields to engage in diverse activities and events together. I sincerely hope this kind of event welcoming back alumni and bridging Rutgers alumni, faculty and students together worldwide, will continue in the future, as it is profoundly beneficial to the whole Rutgers community.”
Ji-Yeung Jang reflected on the visit, noting: “As Rutgers strengthens its engagement in South Korea, it was a privilege to host Professor Jung and witness his meaningful reconnection with his alma mater. We take immense pride in our global alumni network and remain committed to fostering lasting relationships through collaborations with the Rutgers Foundation and our campus partners, ensuring our alumni stay connected and engaged with the university.”