Meet Jonathan Yung and Min Aung, Chapter Founders of Thriving Business Fraternity, Phi Gamma Nu

On the first day of orientation at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, two students—Min Aung’26 from Myanmar and Jonathan Yung’26 from Los Angeles—met and forged a friendship that would shape their time at Questrom and beyond. While their backgrounds were worlds apart, their shared entrepreneurial roots and passion for creating meaningful change brought them together.

Min grew up in a tight-knit, collectivist family culture in Yangon, Myanmar, where his grandparents, once cooks and market vendors, worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities for their six, now successful entrepreneurial children. This foundation instilled in Min a deep appreciation for community and the power of education. Jonathan, on the other hand, was raised in Los Angeles by immigrant parents from Hong Kong and Nauru. He learned resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic from watching his parents run their small businesses. Together, Min and Jonathan formed a partnership built on shared values and complementary perspectives.

Their collaboration reached new heights when they co-founded the Phi Gamma Nu (PGN) chapter at BU—a professional business fraternity aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit and professional development. It all began in FE342, a course on capital markets and FinTech taught by Professor Mark Williams. The class challenged students to create FinTech startups, and through this project, Min and Jonathan saw a gap on campus for a community that could nurture entrepreneurial talent.

Photos below depict Phi Gamma Nu tabling at Splash and Questrom’s student organization fair.

The journey to establish PGN wasn’t easy. They secured approval from PGN Nationals but faced significant resistance from BU’s administrative processes. Despite being told that approval was unlikely, Min and Jonathan persisted. With guidance and support from Dean Furman, Dean Fournier, and Professor Abouchalache, they navigated the challenges and ultimately succeeded in bringing PGN to Questrom. Today, PGN is a thriving organization, offering technical training, mentorship, and a nationwide network of opportunities.

PGN’s mission is deeply rooted in diversity and inclusion. Unlike traditional business fraternities, PGN welcomes students from all majors and backgrounds, creating a space where everyone can grow. The fraternity’s DEI initiatives include partnerships with organizations like Wall Street Bound and Student Dream, which provide career-building resources for underrepresented students. These collaborations align with Min and Jonathan’s vision of fostering inclusivity and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Beyond professional development, PGN emphasizes community. Min and Jonathan have cultivated a culture where members not only collaborate on projects but also build genuine friendships. As Min puts it, “PGN is more than just an organization—it’s a family.”

Both Min and Jonathan credit their time at Questrom for shaping their aspirations and providing a platform for growth. Min’s favorite class, FE342, taught him how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, while Jonathan found inspiration in CORE Finance (FE323) with Professor Devoy, whose clear and thoughtful teaching left a lasting impact.

Professor Abouchalache has been a pivotal mentor for both Min and Jonathan, supporting them through the challenges of launching PGN and providing invaluable guidance. His calm demeanor and open-door policy have taught them the importance of patience and clarity in leadership.

Photos below depict Jonathan Yung moderating an event featuring the CEO of CAIA and Professor Devoy (left), a group photo with Min and Jonathan after the panel (middle), and Jonathan, Professor Abouchalache, and Min at IDEACON 2025 (right).

Their journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From grappling with administrative hurdles to navigating personal setbacks, Min and Jonathan have supported each other every step of the way. One memorable moment came during a trip to Cape Cod, where a flat tire threatened to derail their plans. Min’s resourcefulness and Jonathan’s adaptability turned the situation into a testament to their problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Another defining moment was the approval of PGN at BU. Jonathan recalls the joy of opening the email with the words “approved” after months of hard work. For Min, this was a culmination of their shared determination and belief in their vision.

As they prepare to graduate, Min and Jonathan are focused on ensuring the sustainability of PGN. They’ve brought in a team of dedicated underclassmen who share their ambitious goals, ensuring that the fraternity continues to thrive long after their departure.

Min plans to build a career in investment management, eventually investing in and supporting start-ups that develop innovative educational solutions for underserved youth. Jonathan, meanwhile, sees himself pursuing a career in sales and trading, with a long-term goal of addressing the affordable housing crisis in Los Angeles through social entrepreneurship. Min and Jonathan encourage their peers to step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and seek mentorship early on. “Questrom has so much to offer,” Jonathan says. “Don’t wait—start building connections and exploring opportunities from day one.”

“Questrom has so much to offer. Don’t wait—start building connections and exploring opportunities from day one.”

Jonathan Yung (Questrom’26)

Through their friendship, Min and Jonathan have exemplified the power of collaboration, resilience, and vision. Their journey at Questrom is a reminder that true leadership is not about individual success but about lifting others and creating a lasting impact. As they look to the future, their legacy at BU—and the community they’ve built through PGN—will continue to inspire generations of students to dream big and make a difference.

Interview by Jyotirmaya Patro’25

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