On Saturday, May 9, approximately 80 students and their families attended St. Kate’s first Hmong Family Appreciation Day. Students in the Hmong Language and Culture course invited their families to campus to share how their family's support and sacrifices have helped their success in college. The day, conducted in the Hmong language, gave the students a rare opportunity to use their native language to express their love for their family.
The day, filled with student-led dances, songs and speeches, opened with a warm welcome from President Andrea J. Lee, IHM. The keynote speaker was Bao Vang ('94), who shared her life story and encouraged the young women in the room to never stop or give up on their dreams despite the many barriers that will appear in their lives.
During the potluck lunch hour, students and families shared homemade dishes they made earlier that morning. They were also able to meet with representatives from various key offices on campus.
As the day closed, families had an opportunity to comment and share words of wisdom and support with the students. Parent and family members got up on stage, one by one, and spoke of the pride they had for the students for understanding and preserving their cultural roots.
The students and their families felt and saw great value in holding an event that was intentional in building community and expressing gratitude. "We (the parents) are like the flowers and grass just waiting for you to rain on us so that we can grow and prosper,” said one mother.
Students organized and coordinated the day-long program. The following organizations at St. Kate’s sponsored the event: Abigail McCarthy Center for Women, Multicultural & International Programs and Services (MIPS), Office of Retention and the Parent & Family Association.
The day, filled with student-led dances, songs and speeches, opened with a warm welcome from President Andrea J. Lee, IHM. The keynote speaker was Bao Vang ('94), who shared her life story and encouraged the young women in the room to never stop or give up on their dreams despite the many barriers that will appear in their lives.
During the potluck lunch hour, students and families shared homemade dishes they made earlier that morning. They were also able to meet with representatives from various key offices on campus.
As the day closed, families had an opportunity to comment and share words of wisdom and support with the students. Parent and family members got up on stage, one by one, and spoke of the pride they had for the students for understanding and preserving their cultural roots.
The students and their families felt and saw great value in holding an event that was intentional in building community and expressing gratitude. "We (the parents) are like the flowers and grass just waiting for you to rain on us so that we can grow and prosper,” said one mother.
Students organized and coordinated the day-long program. The following organizations at St. Kate’s sponsored the event: Abigail McCarthy Center for Women, Multicultural & International Programs and Services (MIPS), Office of Retention and the Parent & Family Association.
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