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It is impossible to talk about HSA’s progress over the years without first addressing the history of the Hmong people.

In May of 1975, the Hmong who lived in Laos began to immigrate to the United States as a result of the Fall of Saigon and an alliance with the 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 places it has adopted. The struggle to exist has served as a paradigm for contemporary and historical immigrant stories, with its unique successes and consequences.

HSA began as a small organization, striving to find its identity in the membership and programs. In many instances, its only active members were the officers, who were often obligated to their positions 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 November, leading up to the
New Year Celebration in St. Paul.

In 2003, HSA received the Organization of the Year Award and the Go Mad Award, 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 six or sevenčwe really did lose countčyears in intramural volleyball. Not only has HSA created its own place at Hamline, the members and the organization itself throughout the years have made dramatic impacts on the broader Twin Cities community.

Members of the Hmong Student Association have been active in various community efforts. Some are co-founders of the organization Long Walk for Freedom, the 1,200-mile walk from St. Paul to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about the plight of the Hmong people.

Some have also co-founded the community organization Humanity Helping Humanity, a youth movement which addresses the genocide of the Hmong people in the jungles of Laos. Along with being active members of the community, Hmong students also volunteer for community organizations such as ACTS of St. Paul, Lauj Youth Society, Hmong American Partnership, the Hmong Girl Scouts, Hancock Elementary, and more.

Not only is the list of involvements of the current Hmong students impressive, but the Hmong alumni have set an inspiring standard for the current and future Hmong students to fulfill. The passion that drives HSA to continue to serve Hamline and the broader community has stemmed from the inspiration of what the alumni have accomplished when they were here and now in their personal success. The belief of serving the community has been a long-standing tradition with HSA and has become part of what the organization continues striving to do.