On November 5th, 2009, thirteen brave men and women lost their lives while in military service to the United States. On behalf of HCSM, our sincere condolences go out to each family that was adversely affected by this tragic event. Among the victims of this horrendous crime was a local Minnesotan. His name was Kham Xiong and he was from Saint Paul.

At HCSM, our mission is a combination of three areas: advocacy of higher education; serving as a bridge for the Hmong and non Hmong population for mutual understanding; and bringing attention to issues that are of importance to the Hmong community.

Today HCSM is bringing attention to a tragic event that affects the Hmong community in Saint Paul. HCSM is making a statement in honor of our fallen soldier, a lost Xiong clan member, and fellow Hmong brother, Kham Xiong. Our belief is that as Hmong-Americans, we have the freedom to choose our life’s direction. Service to the United States military is part of our freedom as Americans, and the path of military service is one of honor.

In such an unfortunate situation for Xiong’s family, HCSM would like to acknowledge the service and dedication that Xiong gave in as an Army Private 1st Class. We only hope that through his family he will continue to be remembered as a brave and courageous solider. We write this tribute in hopes of attaching a name to the men and women that serve in the line of duty, so that their efforts to protect this nation and our freedom do not go unnoticed.

The events at Fort Hood touched very close to home. These type of tragic events strike at the heart of our foundations as a free and democratic country. It is never justifiable that one’s own son, daughter, or family member is taken away from them. The only sensible response that would deter further acts of violence is to not let those we lost pass away in vain. It is only appropriate that Xiong is remembered for who he was, and for the service he provided to this nation.

Xiong attended Community of Peace in Saint Paul MN. He is survived by his wife Shoua and their three children.

On behalf of HCSM, our wishes and thoughts go out to the Xiong family, and to the other twelve families.

Hmong College
Students of Minnesota

(signatures of all board members)

Kim Chang
Bill Vang
Hnuchee Vang
May Nhia Yang
Bee Vang

Location: Valley Fair
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Time: 6pm for attendance, admission at 7pm; starlight hours
Who: Leaders of the different colleges/universities organizations and anyone else
What is it for: This is an informal event for everyone to come together, network and have some fun
away from their professional side.
Tickets: Unfortunately, you will have to provide your own ticket.
RSVP: By Thursday, October 16, 2009 @ MIDNIGHT to Hnuchee Vang [vangx359@umn.edu]

Location: St. Kate’s
Date: Saturday, Sept 26, 2009
Time: 4-7pm
Theme: Uniting and Empowering Leaders
Who: Leaders of college student organizations

Click here for more information about the Conference. To RSVP, click here.

For other information, regarding workshops, and biographies, you can click on the “Events” link, and check out the links posted under “HCSM Statewide Conference 2009″.

The dress code is very simple: Come and show school pride! Dress in your school’s memorabilia and/or school colors to represent your school! The most represented school will win a bag of cookies!*

We are also very excited about the Statewide Conference in Spring 2009 and anyone who is interested in helping us plan it should also show up so they can sign up to be on the committee!

What: HCSM Annual Statewide Meeting - Potluck styled and School Pride

When: November 9th, 2008, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Where:
President’s Room, Coffman Union
300 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Who: Opened to anyone and everyone who is interested (public, students, community organizations)

For directions, click here.

On Sunday, meters around the area should be free. There are also ramps near Coffman Union you can park at. For more information, contact us!

All members of the community are encourage to attend and learn where each candidate stands on issues most important to them! College students - this is a great opportunity to be active in your community and show your support for the Hmong community!

For more information, here’s the flier and also visit the events section.

We also heard what representatives had to say at our President’s Retreat and have decided to circle our theme around “Networking”. The event like all HCSM events, is opened to the public and community! For students planning to attend, we encourage you to wear your school attire, colors, whatever it takes to represent your school at the meeting!

We will also be taking this time to update membership packets, network with other schools and encourage anyone who’s interested, to join our Statewide Conference Planning Committee!

More information will be posted here. Keep checking back here or else send us an email!

And of course the theme was “Fine Dining”. The evening opened up with introductions and icebreakers then we broke off into two groups to discuss which issues were important to this year’s group of representatives. We then branched out into talking about what each school organization had planned for this school year and what HCSM can do to help.

For those who couldn’t make it, we still encourage you to keep HCSM up to date on what’s happening at your school. Send us an e-mail with events that will be happening and come to our Statewide Meeting!

HCSM invites you to come and join us for open conversations and activities that hope to explore the perception of sex in the Hmong community. The Hmong American Student Association (HASA) of Winona State University has graciously offered to host this event.

Come with an open mind to offer your own ideas, learn, be challenged, and have fun!

What: Perception of Sex in the Hmong Community
When: MARCH 8TH from 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Winona State University, Purple Room #106, Kryzsko Commons
*Lunch will be provided

Questions? Contact us at hcsm.students@gmail.com. For a copy of the flier, click here.

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To get to Winona State University, from Minneapolis-St. Paul:
Follow Highway 61 South into Winona. Proceed to the 5th stoplight. Take a left turn on to Huff St. (you will see a sign that says Winona State University.) Follow Huff St. to the next stoplight and take a right onto Sarnia St. Go three blocks to a 4-way stop and take a left onto Main St. Go 2 blocks to Mark (11th) St and take a left onto Mark. The entrance to the Purple parking lot is on the right.*

For directions from elsewhere, click here.

If you have issues with transportation, let us know! Car pooling is highly encouraged.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!