Members of Hamline’s class of 1975 and earlier celebrated their golden anniversary of graduation by reconnecting with classmates, reminiscing about their favorite professors and offering advice for current students.
More than 50 alumni gathered last Friday at Anderson Center for the special luncheon as part of the 2025 Homecoming and Alumni Week.
The room buzzed with energy as alumni mingled. Some had traveled from across the country; others were returning to campus decades later. Conversations were often interrupted by friendly greetings as alumni saw classmates they hadn’t seen in years.
University administrators greeted guests, and President Mayme Hostetter invited attendees to reminisce about their time at Hamline and connect with those at their tables.
Former students offered reflections and advice they’d have for their younger selves and current students.
Learn to wake up early and go to class. I wasn’t the best student, but I absorbed well.
—John Packard '75
John Packard ’75, who studied religion, recalled dropping out after his freshman year and hitchhiking cross-country before deciding to return to Hamline. Minnesota felt like family, he said, and he was close to the people he had met at Hamline.
When asked about what he would tell his 18-year-old self, Packard shared practical advice.
“Learn to wake up early and go to class,” he said. “I wasn’t the best student, but I absorbed well.”
He added that Hamline taught him to work under pressure. He encourages students to persevere, follow their passion and listen to their advisors.
Michael Sobota ’75, echoed the importance of exploration. He recalled starting college without a firm understanding of his majors and exploring many different classes before he decided on a major his junior year.
“One class I got a D in, but I learned the most about that subject,” Sobota said. He went on to major in political science and American Studies with a minor in environmental studies.
“Enjoy your life while you are here, but focus on the things that are of interest to you.” Sobota said.
Martha Beck ’75 studied philosophy and religion. She mentioned a philosophy professor who shaped her thinking.
Enjoy your life while you are here, but focus on the things that are of interest to you.
—Michael Sobota '75
“It took me three weeks in his class, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” she said. “He taught everything sympathetically, defended the authors, and we had to come up with arguments for why we did or didn’t agree. That is what his classes communicated to me – the power of ideas.” Beck said the professor was the kind of mentor she aspired to be as a teacher. She went on to teach philosophy for nearly four decades before retiring, and she continues to carry the lessons she learned from him.
Other alumni emphasized the importance of following your own path. Sandra Jo Olson Hijikata ’75, majored in music and education and later worked for non-profit organizations. She has returned to campus twice since 1975.
“Explore as widely as possible,” Hijikata said. “I would tell myself that don’t just do something because your parents told you to do something.”