In his introduction of Dr. James Jung, a native of Kannapolis and Campbell University’s 120th Founder’s Day speaker, President Jerry Wallace used the word “founder” again and again. Wallace was not at all reluctant to place Jung’s name in the same company of men who figured prominently in the history of Campbell University such as President Leslie Campbell, Dr. A.R. Burkott, Vice President for Business and Treasurer Lonnie Small, and Coach Fred McCall. “I present to you one of those ‘founders’ and beloved faculty members who was primarily responsible for bringing Campbell’s Mathematics and Sciences program to its current state of excellence,” Wallace said. “Jung is a true ‘founder’ of Campbell University who worked tirelessly in the effort to bring the School of Pharmacy here,” he reiterated… “Jung is a ‘founder’ simply for what he has done day in and day out as an exemplary member of the faculty for over 45 years.” Accepting the compliment with characteristic humility, Jung related the memories of a young chemistry professor who first joined the Campbell faculty in 1962. “I can remember when Campbell was bordered on the north by Bryan Hall and on the south by Pearson Hall,” he said. “From where you’re sitting here in Turner Auditorium you could throw a stone and reach just about everyone on campus and what is now Leslie Campbell Avenue was known as N.C. 27 then.” Indeed, Jung was an activist or an observer at many historical events. He taught students in the first class to graduate from Campbell after it became a four-year college in 1979. He worked to develop the struggling science and math department into a comprehensive, leading-edge program. He was instrumental in getting Campbell’s highly acclaimed School of Pharmacy chartered in 1985. He witnessed the construction of many buildings that have since become campus centerpieces such as the Taylor-Bott-Rogers Fine Arts Center and the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business. “I am truly honored to be giving the Founder’s Day address,” Jung said. “We’ve made enormous strides since I came to Campbell in 1962 and with the new Convocation Center, Pharmacy building and football team on the horizon, just think what lies ahead.” Jung received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Davidson College and a Master of Education in secondary education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). He also earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from UNC-CH. He is the recipient of the Depont Science Teacher’s Fellowship, the Petroleum Research Foundation Fellowship and the Tennessee Eastman Fellowship. He is married to the former Patty Ludwig. They are the parents of five children, Anita Bunce and Alisa Jung, of Lexington, N.C.; Dayna Scarborough, who lives near Greensboro, N.C.; David Jung, of Raleigh, and Krystal Alligood of Raleigh. Four of the five Jung children are Campbell graduates.Photo Copy: Dr. James Jung, professor of chemistry and keynote speaker at Campbell University’s 120th Founder’s Day event. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)
Jung called “founder” at 120th Campbell Founder’s Day service