Marco Serrato honored during Arizona Diamondbacks Mexican Heritage Night

A wide shot inside Chase Field stadium showing the massive video board above the outfield. The screen displays a close-up of Marco Serrato, Vice President of ASU's Learning Enterprise, wearing a custom purple baseball jersey, with a text overlay identifying him. The surrounding stadium structure features bright lights, sponsor signs, and the Chase Field logo.

ASU Learning Enterprise vice president recognized for expanding educational opportunity during a celebration of the impact of Mexican and Hispanic communities

The crowd at Chase Field rose to its feet. More than 40,000 fans filled the stadium as the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated Mexican Heritage Night on June 4, an evening dedicated to honoring the culture, traditions and contributions of Mexican and Hispanic communities.

For Marco Serrato, vice president of Arizona State University’s Learning Enterprise, the celebration became a chance to reflect on the journey that brought him from Mexico to Arizona.

Standing on the field alongside his wife, Yuliya Hrushyk, Serrato was recognized during a pregame ceremony that highlighted leaders making a difference across Arizona communities.

Born and raised in Mexico, Serrato first came to the United States to pursue a doctoral degree. Along the way, he and Hrushyk built careers, navigated moves from Mexico to Chicago and eventually Arizona, and created a life centered around expanding opportunity through education.

For Serrato, the recognition carried special meaning because it reflected the experiences of so many others.

“This recognition was incredibly meaningful, but what I appreciated most is that the evening celebrated far more than any one individual,” Serrato said. “It honored the millions of stories that make our communities stronger every day — families, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, public servants, students and community leaders who create opportunities for others through their work and service.”

The recognition was part of the Diamondbacks’ annual Mexican Heritage Night celebration, which highlights the impact of Mexican and Hispanic communities throughout Arizona.

Serrato was nominated for the recognition by Emilio Gaynor, a member and honorary chair of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Los D-backs Hispanic Council. Their role is to guide outreach efforts to the Hispanic community in Arizona, create programs and opportunities that celebrate the community and help identify leaders in the community.

According to Gaynor, Serrato was recognized for expanding opportunity through education, his commitment to learners of all ages and his leadership in advancing access to opportunity across Arizona communities.

From left, Los D-backs Hispanic Council honorary chair Emilio Gaynor, Yuliya Hrushyk, and her husband, ASU Learning Enterprise Vice President Marco Serrato, on the field at Chase Field during Mexican Heritage Night. Gaynor nominated Serrato for the pregame recognition celebrating community leaders who expand opportunity across Arizona.
From left, Los D-backs Hispanic Council honorary chair Emilio Gaynor, Yuliya Hrushyk, and her husband, ASU Learning Enterprise Vice President Marco Serrato, on the field at Chase Field during Mexican Heritage Night. Gaynor nominated Serrato for the pregame recognition celebrating community leaders who expand opportunity across Arizona.

“I was especially excited for Marco because, through my work with him, I have seen his deep commitment to the ASU mission of being measured by who we include, and his dedication to serving West Valley partners,” Gaynor said.

That commitment has helped shape partnerships that expand college access for Arizona learners. Through a collaboration among ASU Learning Enterprise, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Agua Fria Union High School District, students are earning dual enrollment credits and exploring pathways into healthcare careers.

“Marco is someone who moves initiatives forward with purpose, never allowing obstacles or process to stand in the way of progress,” said Washington Covena, senior vice president at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and a member of the Los D-backs Hispanic Council. “His dedication has already helped expand healthcare education opportunities in Phoenix’s West Valley, and Arizona is stronger because of it.”

Serrato expressed gratitude to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Los D-backs Hispanic Council and the organizers who made the evening possible, including Gaynor and Covena.

“At ASU, we believe talent is universal and opportunity should be as well,” Serrato said. “As someone who has benefited from educational opportunity and the support of countless mentors, colleagues and family members, I was honored to represent a small part of a much larger community whose contributions continue to shape Arizona, the United States and communities around the world.”

Throughout the evening, fans celebrated Mexican heritage across the ballpark through cultural performances, community recognitions and displays of pride in the traditions and stories that continue to shape Arizona.

Serrato also made a brief appearance on the stadium’s massive video board.

“I was on the big screen for about 30 seconds,” he joked. “My wife quickly concluded that I’m probably not ready for a career in professional sports or entertainment. Fortunately, the recognition ended before I could prove her right.”

The evening concluded with a dramatic Diamondbacks walk-off victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding another memorable moment to an already unforgettable night.

For Serrato, however, the lasting memory will be the opportunity to celebrate a community whose influence extends far beyond the ballpark.

“I’m proud of my roots, grateful for the opportunities I’ve received and inspired by the countless people whose efforts continue to create brighter futures for others,” Serrato said. “The evening was a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we invest in people, create opportunities and help others succeed.”

Photo credits: Arizona Diamondbacks and ASU Learning Enterprise