Returning Student, Supportive Kin Named 2024 WT Family of the Year

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A father who wore his “WTAMU Dad” shirt to near-tatters and others in his extended clan were named West Texas A&M University Family of the Year on Oct. 26 during the University’s annual Family Weekend.

Elna Thinakone, a senior marketing major from Amarillo, nominated what she termed her “village”: Her husband and children, her parents, and her sister, brother-in-law and niece. The entire clan, Thinakone said, has made it possible for her to return to school after about 20 years to finish her degree.

“I knew things have changed, but I wanted to get my bachelor’s, be involved in a school organization, and enjoy being a student. My family was supportive and told me to focus on my dreams, and they will manage the rest,” Thinakone wrote in her nomination letter.

Thinakone, who will graduate in December, and her family embody the WT spirit, said Amanda Laswon, senior director of orientation and academic success.

“Families play an integral role at WT, and for this family, that bond is woven into every moment, every sacrifice and every milestone,” Lawson said. “This extended family deserves to be WT’s Family of the Year, not only for their loyalty and resilience but also for showing us the beauty of a life rooted in love and unity.”

Thinakone originally enrolled at WT in 2002, then left school 2007 to raise her family. She returned in 2022.

In addition to her studies, Thinakone is heavily involved in WT’s Asian Pacific Islander Association, the National Society of Leadership and Success, Society for Human Resource Management and the American Marketing Association. She also has been named to the President and Dean’s Lists.

Thinakone cited her husband, Jason Keophimphone, and their children Andre and Audrey, for their invaluable assistance. Andre is a sophomore accounting major at WT, and Audrey is a junior at Canyon High School enrolled in dual credit courses at Amarillo College and cosmetology courses through Clarendon College.

Thinakone also nominated her parents, Sounthaly and Ammala Thinakone, who immigrated to the U.S. from Laos and met in Texas.

“Recently, I was telling my dad about school and noticed his ‘WTAMU Dad’ shirt. It has to be his favorite shirt because it looks vintage and noticeably worn,” Thinakone wrote. “He proceeded to tell me that I got it for him 22 years ago, when I first attended WT. Needless to say, I did buy him a new ‘WTAMU Dad’ shirt a week later.”

Thinakone also nominated her sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Viet Dang, and her niece, Trinity Dang.

“When I had a flat tire and my husband was in the middle of getting our daughter, my sister and her whole family came to my rescue with Starbucks in hand,” Thinakone wrote. “Viet also repaired my tire and followed me home to make sure I did not have any issues.”

Trinity Dang is a sophomore graphic design major from Amarillo and is a member of the API Assocation with her aunt.

And finally, Thinakone also nominated her “work mom,” Teresa Hugley, her colleague at the Potter County District Clerk’s office.

“She is always checking in on me and making sure I am taking care of myself. If I need advice or words of encouragement, she always finds the right words to say,” Thinakone wrote. “She celebrates my milestones and tells me how proud she is of me.”

Thinakone said she hopes her family realizes “how much they mean to me.”

“They are all very supportive,” Thinakone said. “We’re all so busy, and I want them to know that I do see what they do, and I appreciate it.”

Family Weekend activities also included opportunities to meet faculty members, to attend WT soccer and volleyball games, and to take part in the Countdown to Kickoff Block Party tailgating events before WT’s game against the University of Texas–Permian Basin in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium.

The 2023 winner was Ashley Bell, nominated by daughter Isabella Van Stavern. Family of the Year awards have been given since 2017. Winners are chosen by a committee of staff members.

A commitment to family is a key WT value cited in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: Elna Thinakone, third from left, and her extended family were named West Texas A&M University Family of the Year during Family Weekend 2024. Also pictured are, from left, son Andre Keophimphone; father Sounthaly Thinakone; husband Jason Keophimphone; daughter Audrey Keophimphone; mother Ammala Thinakone; sister Laura Deng; brother-in-law Viet Dang; and niece Trinity Dang.

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