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Most college students walk through the initiation stages and count the days until they can bid adieu into the academia world, but rarely wait as long as John Fong.
Fong graduated from UCLA in 1968 and received a degree in history. His companions included Heisman Trophy winner Gary Beban and NBA Hall of Fame Kareem Abdul Jabber, but John knew him as Lou Arcindor. The men’s basketball coach was nothing but John Wooden.
But like so many men of his age, Fong was not given the opportunity to enjoy a full college experience that culminates in graduation.
On the day of his start, Fon was under other obligations. He was planning to report to the US Navy about its developments in the Vietnam War.
He served two terms in Vietnam and eventually returned to civilian life without giving graduation a second thought.
That is until he and his wife, Lily, see their twin sons graduate in the ritual.
“John whispered lightly to me that he had never walked,” Lily Fong said in an email to KTLA. “Our sons have made it happen now.”
On Sunday, 57 years after he missed his ceremony, John Fong was given the opportunity to take part in his 2025 graduation class at the start of the UCLA History Division.
John Fong is wearing a hat to launch the UCLA History Division on June 15th, 2025. On June 15th, 2025, almost 60 years of production dream came true. (Lily Von) John Fong will pos with his family on June 15, 2025 at the start of the UCLA History Division.
He was given a reserved seat for the ceremony, and his family attended, wearing a black hat and gown that he himself would not wear.
His hat with a gold tassel was decorated with a photo of his US Armed Services card and a message saying, “Drafted in 1968. Walking in 2025!”
Kevin Terrachiano, chairman of UCLA’s history department, said it was an honor for John Fong to take part in the ranks of the 2025 class.
“John Fong is comfortable and cheerful,” Terachiano said. “After the degree procession, I thanked him for his military service and congratulated him on his degree.”
With the help of John’s children, UCLA was able to give the 80-year-old American hero a moment of sun that had been stolen for nearly 60 years.
“We are extremely grateful for the treatment of John at UCLA’s royal family,” Lily Fong said.
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