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| 6/5/2008 10:39:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Kazoua Kong Thao Celebrates Master's Degree
Amy Doeun
Kazoua Kong-Thao has passed another landmark in her career. This spring she graduated with a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute.
On Sunday May 18, beginning at 6:00 friends, family and supporters of Kong-Thao were invited to Foodsmart on University for a very special open house celebration. Doors opened at 6:00 and the tables began to fill steadily, around 200 people attended the event.
At 7:00 the program began with Kazoua and her husband welcoming and greeting everyone in Hmong. Kazoua had changed into traditional Hmong clothes for the celebration. Kazoua latter translated for, "all my non-Hmong friends," including several members of the St. Paul Public School Board.
Kong-Thao explained, "This is a call for celebration for me, it's not only about me, it's about community ... all about connection, a gathering of community and souls. Your presence means a lot to me, the reason I keep celebrating is because I am so thankful."
In 2006 Kong-Thao was the Bush Leadership fellow (of the Bush Foundation). This fellowship allowed her to have the funds she needed to go back to school, "It's really hard financially to go back to school." Her degree has a focus on "leadership and funding community education. I hope to give the necessary tools to the community, this is very critical."
She then thanked, "our church members, board colleagues-another family I have been a part of. This is a tremendous opportunity I learned so much ... I'm like a sponge, get ready world because we have a lot of work to do."
Kong-Thao cited support from her parents, siblings, and mother-in-law as a major support. "In the Hmong community a mother-in-law works for you or against you - I am so thankful for my mother-in-law. Last, but not least, I couldn't have done this without my husband and kids. They are a wonderful gift to me."
The highlight of the evening was a surprise visit by General Vang Pao. Due to a very busy schedule he was only able to stay a short while but he addressed Kazoua and those gathered. The General said, "This is a personal achievement but a great achievement for our community as a whole. I pray you have strength and wisdom to continue." He also thanked everyone for their support, "Thank-you all for the care you have showed me."
Elona Street Stewart and John Broderick of the St. Paul School Board attended and addressed the audience. Broderick was a school teacher in St. Paul in the 60s and 70s. "I was there when the Hmong people first arrived. It's a symbol of what all of you have accomplished and I have personally witnessed over the last couple of decades."
Friends, Family and community members continued to address the audience as food was prepared. When asked what was next Kazoua said a PhD and all the trappings, "are in the works," but for one evening it was more about accomplishments then goals.
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St. Paul, MN
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