A senior studying English education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) is one of several women statewide to receive an award for "contributions to campus and community."

Mazie Maichoua Moua has been named a "woman of color" honoree for 2007. The UW System Women�s Studies Consortium and Office of Diversity and Development co-sponsor the recognition in conjunction with the annual women�s studies conference at UW-Madison in April.

Moua is not only studying English, but also pursuing minors in political science, women�s studies, and English as a Second Language. She is currently completing a student teaching experience in the Wausau community schools.

"Mazie is an accomplished young woman whose talents seem to know no boundaries," said Dennis Riley, professor of political science and one who nominated her for this prestigious recognition. "She leads by example and her example will inspire all who follow in her footsteps."

Her campus leadership includes active participation in the Hmong and Southeast Asian Club (HaSEAAC) for which she has served as club secretary, president and chief fundraiser. She is a campus leader on equity and affirmative action issues having served several years on the Plan 2008 committee, organized numerous luncheons to introduce the campus to Hmong students and the broader Hmong community, and given numerous talks to various campus organizations, including the Student Government Association.

"Moua represents the very best in student success. She is an outstanding example of the extent to which UWSP fosters a campus environment in which student diversity is a matter of pride," said Chancellor Linda Bunnell. "To meet her is to meet a young woman who already is a superb ambassador for both the campus and Central Wisconsin."

A talented dancer and singer, she initiated noncredit Hmong language and culture classes at UWSP. Active in the campus International Club and the Chinese Culture Club, Moua is also a member of the Tapestry Theater Educators that has performed Hmong plays in more than fifteen schools or public forums in Central Wisconsin. The plays have been an excellent vehicle for educating children, teachers, principals and others of the Hmong culture and history. In addition, she has served as a panelist for future educators, conducted numerous campus tours for diversity students interested in finding out more about UWSP. An anchor for Hmong Television in Wausau as well as a radio host for Hmong language programming, she has completed a documentary film, "Hmong Women in Higher Education: Searching for a Future."

During the summer of 2004, Moua spent several weeks in Thailand on a study abroad program that was a life changing experience. Since returning to UWSP, she has raised funds to send back to schools in Thailand to help the Thai-Hmong students to continue their education.

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