Fullerton College Alumna to Serve as Honorary Captain at Super Bowl LVII
Fullerton College alumna HyeJung Park ’13 never once imagined that the challenges she faced after graduating high school as an undocumented student and pursuing higher education would lead her to this moment in time: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto the field at Super Bowl LVII as an honorary captain. Park is one of four Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) Scholars selected to serve as the honorary coin toss captains at the opening of the game on Feb. 12.
In a press release issued by the Pat Tillman Foundation, Park is being recognized with three other scholars for making an impact in their respective industries and representing the enduring legacy of service Pat Tillman left behind.
CBS Morning Show also aired the moment when all four scholars joined a surprise Zoom call with National Football League star J.J. Watt for the big announcement. In the video you can see HyeJung Park in top right-hand corner of the Zoom call.
“It’s all so surreal,” said Park about the opportunity to participate in the Super Bowl. “I feel so honored to represent Pat’s legacy and the more than 800 scholars of the Pat Tillman Foundation.”
In her hometown of Fullerton, she’s also excited for her family and friends to witness the event on television.
Park enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves via a Military Accessions Vital to National Interest enlistment program which helped her earn her U.S. citizenship. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Psychology after earning two Fullerton College associate degrees – one in science and one in mathematics; two bachelor’s degrees – one in psychology and social behavior and one in education sciences, and a Master of Arts in Psychology.
Park shared that all of her achievements do not go without recognition and gratitude for the preparation and support she received while attending Fullerton College.
“Fullerton College was very influential in my decisions to pursue a doctorate and shaped my interests in bridging the gap between research and public policy,” she said.
While Park was enrolled as an undocumented student at Fullerton College between 2011-2013, she said she made the best use of her time by getting involved in student leadership, becoming a member and president of Alpha Gamma Sigma, and joining the Honors Program.
“I couldn’t have done anything without the knowledge and support I received from so many professors, counselors, and mentors at Fullerton College. Professors like Jodi Balma, who is so engaged with the students and really taught me how to advocate for change, and gave me the skills needed to prepare for success. I fell in love with my time as a community college student.”
“HyeJung was an outstanding student and an even better human,” said Jodi Balma, professor of Political Science. “Her leadership and collaborative style were instrumental in increasing membership in AGS and as student senator in Associated Students. She spent countless hours on community service projects – both on campus and in the community. She’s gone on to do amazing things.”
While attending Fullerton College, she witnessed community members and students come together in support of undocumented students to advocate for AB130 and AB131, legislations that would grant AB540 students the opportunity to receive private and state financial support.
“People who didn’t know me rallied together to support students like me because they believed that education is a right; I took this to heart,” Park said. She said her first-hand experience of the value of American democracy and the impact of American voters who exercise their right to promote equality, equity and justice has instilled in her a great passion for public service and advocacy.
Now a doctoral graduate of psychology from Arizona State University, Park aspires to be a collaborator/developer of empirically-supported legislation to promote resilient development for at-risk and marginalized youth. She hopes to be an effective liaison between the developmental research community and Congress, to inform public policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
“My overarching goal is to bridge the gap between developmental science and public policy,” she said. Although she is currently looking for opportunities in public policy, she hopes to someday return to serve community college students.
Park’s advice to current students is to “Get involved with student organizations and campus leadership.” She hopes that everyone gets the chance to foster strong, life-long friendships at Fullerton College through campus involvement like she has.
Read more about HyeJung Park at the Pat Tillman Foundation website.
Watch a video clip of HyeJung Park as a Pat Tillman Scholar.
