Hamline Names Basketball Court After Alumnus Win Folkers '57

Summer 2026 Hamline Magazine

Dedication of Basketball Court after Alumnus Win Folkers '57

By Rhoda Madson
Photos by Tori Kosel

Nearly 70 years after graduating, Winston “Win” Folkers was on the Hamline University basketball court again. This time, he was the guest of honor for the dedication of the Win Folkers ’57 Court in Hutton Arena.

It’s a fitting tribute to Folkers, whose commitment to Hamline began when he was a student-athlete in the 1950s and continues to this day as a life trustee.

Playing for legendary coach Joe Hutton Sr., Folkers was an All-Conference forward on Hamline’s 1957 MIAC championship basketball team and was named honorable mention All-American. He also played tennis and was actively involved across campus.

He majored in political science and economics and moved on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Minnesota in 1964. Folkers also served as a Hamline trustee from 1996 to 2022, when he became a life trustee. In 2022, Hamline awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Win Folkers '57 Hamline alumni, at dedication of basketball court to his name

“Beyond the accolades, what stands out is that Win cares,” said Athletic Director Alex Focke.

In 2023, donors created the Winston Folkers ’57 Alumni Room and Team Rooms in his honor. The rooms are adjacent to the court, enabling teams to hold meetings, film sessions, leadership development and team-building activities.

“This is a wonderful facility. I always enjoyed playing here,” Folkers said. “It has a wonderful future, just like Hamline itself has a wonderful future…I wish to do my part.”