The Hmong Student Association was founded and established in 1995. It has been 30 years, May of 1975, when the Hmong who lived in Laos began to immigrate to the United States as a result of the Fall of Saigon and because of an alliance with the US American CIA during the Vietnam War.  Within the last 30 years, the Hmong community in the U.S. continues to grow and develop in the land and places it has adopted. The struggle to exist has served as a paradigm for contemporary and historical immigrant stories with successes and consequences.

HSA began as a small organization, in the early years, striving to find it’s identity in the membership and programs. In many instances, it’s only active members were the officers, officers who were obligated to the position to keep the organization alive, an issue that holds true for many student organizations today. A significant signature program hosted by HSA is the Hmong Month programs, held every year in November to lead up to the New Year Celebration in St Paul. HSA received the Organization of the Year Award and Go Mad Award respectively in 2003, a high praise for any student organization on campus. Members of HSA have actively been engaged in HUSC, conversations on race and ethnicity, academic honors, Residential Life, athletics and volunteerism. Members of HSA hold a record for an undefeated 6 or 7 – we really did lose count – years in intramural volleyball. Not only has HSA created its own place here at Hamline, the members and the organization itself through the years has made dramatic impacts on the broader Twin Cities community.

- Cheng Vang and Mai Sue Xiong

----------Founders of HSA:----------

Xengsuely Yangwaue
* Co-Founder HSA
* Outstanding Student Leaders Awards 96
* President 96/97
- Graduated May 98
- Political Science/Philosophy 

Tou Chao Lee
* Co-Founder HSA
* President 98/99
* Senior Leaders Awards 99
- Graduated May 99
- Criminal Justice/Legal Studies

Ge Xiong
* Co-Founder HSA
* President 97/98
* Outstanding Services Awards 98 
- Graduated May 98
- Psychology

 

----------Past and Present HSA Presidents----------

 Xu Yang - co-founder/president
Ge Xiong - co-founder/president
Tou Chao Lee - co-founder/president
Kou Xiong – President 1999-00
Ser Xiong – President 2000-01
David Xiong – President 2001-02
Phasoua Vang – President 2002-03
Pao Lee – President 2003-04
Amee Xiong – President 2004-05
Cheng Vang - President 2005-06
Choua Michelle Vang - President 2006-07
Choua Michelle Vang - President 2007-08
Jesada Moua - President 2008-09 (Current)