Zha Blong Xiong, the first Hmong faculty member at the University of Minnesota, will headline the annual regional Hmong conference at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Xiong, Mai Zong Vue and James Harris will be the speakers for the conference at UWSP�s University Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. � 4 p.m.

The conference, "Hmong Past, Present, and Future," will give participants an opportunity to learn about Hmong gender roles, artifacts, and how education is key for Hmong success in the United States. Sponsored by the Hmong and South East Asian American Club (HaSEAAC) and UWSP�s Multicultural Affairs, the conference and lunch are free and open to the campus and the public. Chancellor Tom George will give opening remarks with registration beginning at 9 a.m. No preconference registration is required.

Xiong will address the opening and closing sessions of the conference. His 9:30 a.m. presentation will focus on Hmong history, while his closing session at 2:15 p.m. will present his views on what the future holds for Hmong citizens.

His is a life of "firsts" as he was the first in his family to receive a college degree, first Hmong in the nation to earn a doctoral degree in family social sciences, and the first Hmong professor hired in the state of Iowa at Iowa State University. His research focuses on ethnic minorities, especially adolescents in those communities.

"Minnesota is always home," said Xiong. "I think Minnesota is unique because of the growth in diversity. There is a big increase in immigrants and ethnic minorities in the state in recent years."

An assistant professor in social science, Xiong came to the United States in 1982 sponsored by the Lutheran Church. He graduated with honors from Winona State University and by 1994 was ready to enroll in the university�s family social science doctoral program. His main emphasis of research today is juvenile delinquency among Hmong youth. "I have a personal passion to help students like me be successful," said Xiong. "I want to show them that if I could strive they can do it too. They can follow my path."

Mai Zong Vue will lead both a morning and afternoon session on Hmong gender roles and education. She arrived in the United States in 1980 at the age of 13 and four years later was a high school graduate from Kaukauna High School. With a desire to continue her education, she then went on to earn a business administration degree from Lakeland College and a master�s in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In 1995 Zong and 15 other Hmong women participated in the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing. Much of her national and international work is directed toward the plight of refugees in Southeast Asia. She is the former president of the Hmong National Development, Inc., in Washington, D.C., and co-founder and board director of the Refugee Women�s Network. Her volunteer work in Madison targets Hmong women, including work with the Kajsiab Lug women�s group at the Dane County Mental Health Center.

James Harris will also give morning and afternoon sessions focusing on Hmong artifacts and culture. An elementary principal for the D.C. Everest School District for the past 22 years, he has traveled to 32 countries throughout his career, including two trips to Laos. He received his bachelor�s from Miami University and master�s from UW-Madison.

A DJ party will take place later in the evening beginning at 7 p.m. in the Laird Room. The cost is $3 for this semiformal event. In addition, there is a singing/dancing contest with a $2 registration fee. For more information call (715) 346-3820.

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