As California State University, San Bernardino celebrates 60 years of higher education excellence, it is launching its inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame Awards to recognize the professional accomplishments and community service of distinguished alumni.

Dr. Tae-Wook Chun, BS, biology, ’92, will receive the Paw Prints Award, which recognizes alumni who have shown exemplary accomplishments that reflect the spirit of their academic college. Chun is being recognized for his notable contributions in the fields of biopharmaceuticals and immunovirology, and his unwavering dedication to scientific research aimed at enhancing the well-being of individuals and families affected by the HIV infection.  

Chun has had a profound impact on millions of people throughout the world, improving the lives of those living with HIV through his groundbreaking HIV-treatment research. Today, he is the chief of the HIV Immunovirology Section Research Group at the Laboratory of Immunoregulation (LIR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Chun distinguished himself at CSUSB by graduating with a BS in biology with high honors (Phi Kappa Phi) and was named CSUSB’s 1992 Outstanding Undergraduate Student. After graduating, he earned a Ph.D. from the Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He conducted his postdoctoral research work in the LIR under Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the NIH.

In 2023, Chun received the prestigious Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Award from the Clinical Research Foundation for advancements in antibody-based therapy for HIV-infected individuals. He was also named CSUSB’s 2022-23 College of Natural Sciences Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.

A colleague who nominated Chun for the award noted of his contributions: “Dr. Chun’s track record clearly demonstrates a high level of success in broadening medical research and developing treatments with profound impacts on all communities grappling with HIV infection. In essence, his work and research saves lives.”

The alumni awardees will be honored during a dinner and award ceremony on Feb. 16 at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union North Ballrooms. Three university-wide awards – Distinguished Alumni, Emerging Leader and Coyote Spirit – will be presented, as well as the Paw Print Awards, which honor esteemed alumni from each of the university’s five colleges.

For more information about the inaugural Hall of Fame celebration, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (909) 537-3700 or send an email to alumni@csusb.edu. The office provides opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and their alma mater and for CSUSB graduates to mentor and support current students through volunteer opportunities.