In 1971, upon the completion of the Elisabeth Luce Moore Library, the College organised a human-chain book relay involving staff and students. Dr. Yung (right) was on site to oversee the operation.

Dr. Yung Chi Tung (1908–1987) was born in Hong Kong. He first studied at Canton Christian School, then gained admission to the Department of Biology at Tsinghua University, graduating in 1929 and staying on as a teaching assistant. In 1935, he went to the University of Chicago to pursue advanced studies in botany, earning his Doctor of Philosophy degree in just two years. In 1938, at the invitation of Dr. Lee Ying Lam, then President of Lingnan University, he joined the university’s faculty, serving successively as Professor and Head of the Department of Biology, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, Acting Registrar, and Acting President. In 1951, he took up the post of Senior Lecturer of Botany at The University of Hong Kong, later served as Head of the Department of Botany.

During the founding stage of Chung Chi College, Dr. Yung served as an adviser, offering counsel on matters relating to its establishment. In 1959, he became a member of the College’s Board of Governors. From 1960 to 1975, he served as President, during which time he not only participated in the planning and establishment of The Chinese University of Hong Kong but also devoted himself to advancing the development of Chung Chi. He continued to expand campus construction, with buildings such as the Chapel, Chung Chi Tang, and the new Library completed in succession. The College’s major programmes became more diversified; he also served concurrently as the first President of Chung Chi Theological Seminary. In addition, he successfully persuaded the Trustees of Lingnan University in New York to donate funds to the College and Lingnan alumni to sponsor campus development. His wife, Mrs. Yung, also taught vocal music to Chung Chi students on a voluntary basis for many years.

Upon the establishment of CUHK in 1963, Dr. Yung was appointed its first Pro-Vice-Chancellor and a member of the University Council. In 1970, he concurrently assumed the role of Dean of the Graduate School, making outstanding contributions to the strategic planning and development of the University. Dedicated to serving the community, he was a deacon of Hop Yat Church. He was also appointed a member of the Board of Education and the Board of Governors of Hong Kong Polytechnic, contributing significantly to education in Hong Kong. In recognition of his service, he was appointed Justice of the Peace by the Government and awarded the OBE. Both The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Prof. Hu Shiu Ying further honoured him by naming a new orchid species she discovered in Hong Kong, Anoectochilus yungianus.

In 1987, Dr. Yung passed away. His family and friends subsequently donated funds to Chung Chi College to establish the “Dr. C.T. Yung Memorial Scholarship”, awarded to students of outstanding academic achievement. In 2011, upon the completion of the College’s new Divinity School Chapel building, it was named the “Chapel and President Chi-tung Yung Memorial Building” in tribute to his remarkable lifelong contributions.