Like Father, Like Son

Fall 2025 �鶹��ƵAPK Magazine

Dr. Xengsul Yangwaue '98 and Tshuaj Yangwaue '25 posing at Commencement

Written by Staff
Photo by CT Ryan Photography

For father-and-son Pipers Dr. Xengsul Yangwaue ’98 and Tshuaj Yangwaue ’25, representing and advocating for fellow students of Hmong heritage is a family tradition.

Perhaps it was natural for Xengsul, who majored in political science, to become a founding member and president of �鶹��ƵAPK’s Hmong Student Association during his time on campus. It’s hard to guess how much was nature and how much was nurture, but Tshuaj — a biology major, of course — became treasurer of the same organization a generation later.

Xengsul recalls there were just five members of the Hmong Student Association as the 1990s came to a close. “We got great support from the faculty and staff, but we struggled to bring the students together to form the organization. The idea was to support first-generation Hmong students in navigating the challenges of higher education.”

Celebrating culture and identity is a tradition in the Yangwaue family

“Hmong culture used to be very minimal on campus,” Xengsul added. But now, 27 years later, the picture has changed.

“It’s a very positive atmosphere for the Hmong Student Association at �鶹��ƵAPK today,” Tshuaj said. “We have lots of participation in our events, including Hmong New Year, and we’re part of the Multicultural Alliance. We work with other groups in advocating for all BIPOC students. It’s more inclusive and welcoming when we work together.”

For his part, Xengsul is delighted by his son’s choice to follow in his footsteps. “As a father and first-generation U.S. citizen, I believe that one generation paves the way for the next to thrive,” he said. “It’s a blast to see your child grow up to attend the same school and take part in the association you co-founded.”