Hamline Newsroom

A total of 433 undergraduate students and 329 graduate students earned degrees at Hamline this year.

Brent Gustafson ’94 will return to his alma mater as Hamline University’s new Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Commencement ceremonies will be hosted on Saturday, May 14 at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul

Dr. Jillian Peterson won the Minnesota Book Award in the non-fiction category for her recent publication, "The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic."

Dozens of graduating first-generation students where honored at a pinning ceremony on campus May 3.

Prospective students are no longer required to submit standardized test results as part of the university's admission process.

As part of Hamline's Forensic Science Certificate Program, the crime scene photography lab offers students hands-on learning in a field that has the potential to affect all Minnesota communities.

If you are new to Hamline University, welcome to our incredible institution. We are glad that you chose to be a part of our community. If you are a returning member of our community, we are pleased that you are back—welcome home.

Through a Saint Paul city council internship and involvement in student organizations, Jessie Luévano ’22 is putting her political science and global studies majors to good use.

Hamline University has selected Kelly Krebs as the new Director of the Online Degree Completion (ODC) Program.

Hamline University welcomes Kelly Figueroa-Ray as university chaplain and director of the Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice.

Clare Chambers ’24 spent her summer on Hamline's campus with other student-athletes, making new friends and sharing her love of sports with hundreds of potential future Pipers.

Olivia Insisiengmay ’22 landed her dream internship with Northwestern Mutual —bringing her closer to her career goals—with help from the School of Business’ Career Mentor Program.

International business major Dammy Williams ’23 has immersed herself in opportunities at Hamline and her focus on the future has opened new doors.

In his first year as an assistant professor, Jamie Spaulding brought his expertise in forensic and investigative science to Hamline classrooms and secured new equipment for students.

This summer, student researchers got up close and personal with Hamline's Scanning Electron Microscope一an experience that both furthered physics research and gave the students a crash course in scientific problem-solving.

In order to ensure a full educational experience in the fall 2021 semester, Hamline University will require all students and employees to complete a COVID-19 vaccination series. Recognized exemptions or extensions will be allowed.

With the new Climate Literacy Certificate from the Hamline School of Education and Leadership, students will learn the communication, education, and organizing skills to drive solutions to climate change.

Dr. Andy Rundquist, Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, will serve as Hamline University’s interim provost for the 2021-2022 academic year.

By earning a dual degree that combines a Master of Business Administration with a Master of Science in Business Analytics, Michael Kroenke ’21 and Justin Hockensmith ’21 are getting both business and analytics skills to get ahead of the game.

Hamline University chemistry major Lue Her ‘22 won a student presenter award at the American Chemistry Society (ACS) 2021 Great Lakes and Central Regional combined meeting (GRLM 2021).

Maureen Erickson-Robertshaw ’22 wants to help rural Minnesota families navigate complex family situations. By finishing her bachelor’s degree in psychology online from Hamline University, she’s taking the first step toward that dream

With a Master in the Study of Law, Brian Tolkkinen ’21 can communicate more effectively with his company’s attorneys and bridge gaps between teams.

On Tuesday, May 31st, Hamline University, Minnesota, and the world lost a treasure: Alexandra “Sandy” Klas LHD ’08 (hon.).

Mitchell Berg’s PhD in Management and Public Service is pushing his career—and the communities he serves—to new heights.

In a statement issued the morning of Tuesday, May 25, 2021, Hamline University President Fayneese Miller echoed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s call for 9 minutes and 29 seconds of silence to honor George Floyd.

Communication studies major Mien Le ’23 describes the struggles of being an international student during Covid-19. Yet despite the struggles, she managed to make Hamline her home away from home.

Twenty-two undergraduate students from Hamline participated in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in April 2021.

The Dean of Students Office is pleased to announce that there are four undergraduate recipients of the 2021 John Wesley Leadership and Service Award.

President Miller has issued a statement about the outcome of the trial of Derek Chauvin.

There is no bigger issue in Minnesota – or for that matter, the United States – than police reform. Now, a Hamline associate professor has an opportunity to have a significant say in how Minnesota law enforcement officers are trained.

President Miller condemned the horrific shootings in Atlanta and sent a message of support to Asian-American community members and Hamline students.

Sound Like Trapped Thunder, the 2020 Deborah Tell Lyric Essay Book Prize by MFA alum Jessica Lind Peterson, will be celebrated with a virtual launch reading this Thursday, March 18 at 7 pm CT.

On March 3, Natalie Darwitz, coach of the Hamline University women's hockey team, scored another recognition for her many accomplishments on the ice when she was inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame with the class of 2020.

Based on Dana Thompson’s experience at an entry-level job on a research project involving elementary-aged children, she knew that she wanted to work with students and families who are usually marginalized by mainstream education practices. Programs from Hamline University's School of Education fit her values, ambitions and career needs.

The new Marketing Analytics Clinic from the School of Business signed AmeriSave’s wholesale mortgage division as its first client.

Davu Seru ’07 teaches English courses at Hamline and maintains a successful career as a musician and composer.

Effective immediately, the Hamline University COVID-19 shift plan level has been dropped to Level 2 from Level 3.

Faculty and alumni from Hamline University’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults (MFAC) program had a productive and successful 2020, including major awards for two faculty members.

President Miller issued a statement on the terrible and tragic events of Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in Washington D.C.

Hamline School of Education Professor Michelle Benegas and Director of the English Learners in the Mainstream (ELM) Project Amy Stolpestad have received the Harold B. Allen award from Minnesota Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages (MinneTESOL).

In the spring of 2020, Anthropology Professor Brian Hoffman knew that his fall class “Excavating Hamline History” would go forward despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Rebecca A. Neal, an associate professor in the Hamline School of Education and director of the Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching (CEUT) and alumnus Dr. Stanley Brown ʼ07 have been awarded the Ron McKinley “All My Relations” Award by the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MNEEP).

Hamline students and professors Keefe and Cadieux anchor a new USDA-funded collaboration to support food access efforts on local campuses.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Hamline University athletes are persevering despite an unprecedented change in routine.

A new EPA grant will allow a team of students to collaborate with Professor Lifeng Dong on a design project to build an instrument to detect lead in drinking water.

The Hamline School of Business (HSB) was a finalist for curriculum delivery in the MBA Roundtable Fast Track Curriculum Innovation Award competition for successfully adapting the MBA Capstone for distance learning.

Creative Writing Professor Angela Pelster-Wiebe's debut essay collection Limber named one of the best nature books of the 2000s.

According to Hamline School of Education Assistant Professor Patty Born and other environmental education experts in Minnesota, it is time to teach outdoors.

Jon Curry MPA ’15 knew he wanted a postgraduate degree, and had a good idea of where he wanted to go with his life and career. But coming to Hamline University to obtain a master’s degree in public administration changed those goals — and changed Curry along the way.

Hamline School of Business students took first and second place in the economic communication category during the annual undergraduate competition sponsored by the Minnesota Economic Association (MEA).

Hamline University has released a civility statement that serves as a guide for conversation and debate among the campus community.

The October 2019 Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation trip connected members of the Hamline community to our mission of inclusivity.

Learning about the school-to-prison pipeline is eye-opening for Hamline students, sparking additional research and action outside the classroom.

The Hamline University Board of Trustees and President Fayneese Miller have announced that David Schultz has been named Distinguished University Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies.

Hamline is increasingly gaining attention for providing hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students. One example is the student team who work for Jillian Peterson, Ph.D., professor of criminology and criminal justice, conducting research that impacts the national conversation on gun violence/mass shootings.

Associate vice president and athletic director Jason Verdugo, one of only a handful of Latino athletic directors in the country, speaks about how his personal and professional journey informs his work on diversity and inclusion in athletics at Hamline.

Students Lue Her, Haileigh Lenz, Victor Tymecho, D'Angelo Perez and alumnus Tristan Contreras ‘20 worked with visiting faculty member Urvashi Gangal, Ph.D. to determine how to use cold plasma to inactivate pollutants in drinking water.

As the pandemic shifted education online, students and faculty made the best of a difficult situation.

New data on victims, guns and mental health provides deeper insights and avenues for data-driven prevention.

Chris Montana JD '13 uses his business to do all the good he can in new way.

As a liberal arts institution that values civic engagement, Hamline University embraces a diversity of viewpoints and experiences among its students, faculty and alumni. In the wake of the Memorial Day officer-involved killing of George Floyd, Pipers donated, volunteered, marched, and protested. Some have also taken the lead in the media.

A message for the Hamline University community from President Miller on May 29, 2020.

As a community, we offer heartfelt condolences to the family of George Floyd. We ask for support and compassion to all searching for answers and justice.

This spring Kaori Kenmotsu and the dance ensemble embraced the challenge of taking an embodied physical art form into a digital space. In collaboration with seniors Jackson Cobb and Helen Maclay, they created a piece called “In Transition” that is now available to view online.

Staff from residential life collaborated with the student programming board to make life more bearable for students living on campus during the Minnesota Stay Home Order.

For students like Paige Pettit ’21, an on-campus bachelor’s degree was never an option. With Hamline’s Online Degree Completion pathway, she can earn her degree while balancing family life and work schedules.

Hunter Holten, a rising junior majoring in Computational Data Science, is the first Hamline University student to receive a Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship from the Department of Defense (DOD).

Molly Isaacson analyzes data for the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. During Minnesota’s Stay at Home Order, she’s been crunching numbers at home but has still found time to assist the Red Cross by donating blood.

Dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 is a marathon, not a sprint. And while it is important to practice the social distancing that will keep many more people safe and healthy, it is also important to realize the toll this situation places on our mental health.

Professor Serena King is teaching Hybrid General Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology and Applied Health Psychology this semester. She recently took time from her schedule to offer her take on the enormous impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the field of psychology and people's mental health.

Sheila O'Connor was named the recipient of 2020 Minnesota Book Award in the Novel & Short Story category for her book Evidence of V: A Novel in Fragments, Facts, and Fictions. O'Connor also won the Minnesota Book Award in this category in 2004 for her novel Where No Gods Came. 

Hamline Professor of Political Science David Schultz shared a few thoughts on the effects of COVID-19 could have on the next election.

Kate Meyer of the Global Engagement Center turned her energy from keeping Pipers safe while abroad to sewing face masks that will keep communities safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First-year Hamline University student Emily Hilderbrand received the Presidents’ Student Leadership Award from Campus Compact. The award recognizes an individual student or a student organization that models a deep commitment to civic responsibility and leadership.

Leaders from Hamline’s Wesley Center offer words of wisdom and support as significant holidays are celebrated by those of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions this April.

Hamline University will end the Spring 2020 undergraduate classes online. The faculty have transitioned their classes and the Canvas learning tool is ready for students. In anticipation of this change in format, Lisa Nordeen of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement has compiled tips to help students during the transition to a new learning environment.

Hamline University has implemented two significant changes to its admissions policies. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamline University has moved the enrollment decision day from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020. The second change is that Hamline University will not require the ACT or SAT for admission.

On March 1, 2020, the Hamline University Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution officially welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, formally affiliating the university with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN).

A new initiative has been funded as part of Hamline’s Take the Lead Campaign. The Hamline Leadership Scholars Program was created with the goal of increasing student retention and graduation outcomes.

Student leaders discussed the future of Hamline University with trustees at the “100 Who Influence” Luncheon, an event dedicated to giving students an opportunity to speak directly with institutional decision-makers.

For the second time in two years, a team of MBA students from the Hamline School of Business finished second in the Association for Corporate Growth regional competition for its prestigious ACG Cup. The event was held on Thursday, February 13 at the Carlson School of Management.

Hamline President Fayneese Miller and City of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter shared the stage, some serious moments and a few laughs in front of a crowd in Sundin Music Hall during the noon hour on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams, MFAC alumna ‘13 receives a Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and is a finalist for the William C. Morris Award.

Hamline University Professor Emerita Nancy Jean Holland passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Professor Holland was a faculty leader in the philosophy department who taught from 1981 until her retirement in 2017. There will be no service in accordance with her wishes.

Each year Hamline comes together for Scholars Day to welcome top incoming high school students to learn about the university’s honors program and the diverse opportunities and experiences that await them in the fall.

Hamline University’s School of Education Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching (CEUT) was one of five Minnesota institutions to receive a 2020 grant as part of Minnesota’s Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color (CUGMEC) program.

Hamline alumnus Dr. Robert Mikulak ‘64 was one of three recipients of the Hague Award from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) during the first day of the Twenty-Fourth Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Hamline students were key team members on the publically released mass shooter database, the most comprehensive database of mass shooters in the United States.

Hamline students' participation rate was 63.3 percent in the 2018 midterm election and as a result the the university was awarded a platinum seal for having the overall highest voting rate among peer institutions nationwide.

Hamline University has launched “Take the Lead: The Campaign for Hamline University”, a comprehensive fundraising effort with a final goal of $110 million.

Earlier this month, Hamline alumni Michael Abata ‘05 and Brent Reykdal ‘08 gathered with other Target representatives to officially unveil the new soccer mini-pitch constructed in Hamline Park.

The School of Business celebrated the new Wells Fargo Finance and Analytics Room with a ribbon cutting event.

Hamline University mourns the passing of Carol E. Anderson '46, a life trustee, institutional benefactor and strong believer in the power of education.

Mai Nhia Xiong Chan and the admission team have developed a winning approach to enrollment.

Linnette Werner, Ph.D became Associate Dean of Graduate Programs for the College of Liberal Arts in early July.

Hamline Elementary School has a new tagline -- Collaborative Learning University School -- that reflects a deepening educational partnership with Hamline University.

For 15 years, the McVay Youth Partnership has been supporting St. Paul youth and giving Hamline students a chance to take the lead.

It's always earth month in the REER Lab where Hamline students are working to advance sustainability.

Just in time for Women's History Month, the Women in Public Service Seminars are now accepting registrations.

Members of the Mock Trial program affirmed the benefits of strong arguments, preparation and teamwork when they shared their knowledge and experience with deaf and hearing impaired high school students.

On Wednesday, December 12, Women's Hockey Coach Natalie Darwitz took her place in hockey history when she was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Aspiring teachers who received Hamline's Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching (CEUT) scholarships get a chance to help close the racial gap between students and teachers in Minnesota.

Hamline's own Luke Trudell was named to the D3Football.com West Region team. Read more on the Hamline Athletics website.

Dr. David Everett, Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence, has been awarded a grant of $25,000 from the St. Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations to work in collaboration with several community partners to tackle the issue of changing racial narratives in media.

Hamline University students took the lead and collaborated with peers at area colleges to create a day-long sold-out social justice conference.

Natalie Darwitz, head Hamline women’s hockey coach and three-time Olympic medalist, has been selected for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

On Saturday, July 27, Hamline heroes took over CHS Field for the Hamline-sponsored superhero night at the Saints. Students and staff attended the game to cheer on the Saints, participate in Saints in-game promotions, and hand out some Piper swag. Join in on the fun again on August 18.

Hamline University has been selected to host and help organize training for the media on racial equity in an event called Truth and Transformation: Changing Racial Narratives in Media. The Saint Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations awarded a $250,000 grant to six partner organizations, including Hamline, for the planning of this event.

Hamline University has hired Dr. David L. Everett as its first Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. He will begin his duties on Monday, August 27.

Conner Suddick, a Hamline University student from Suamico, Wisconsin, is one of 59 students from across the country to be named a 2018 Truman Scholar. The prestigious award was announced today by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, President of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.

Alumnus Yi Gang ‘82 was appointed as the Governor of the People’s Bank of China. Much like the United States Federal Reserve, the People’s Bank of China is the central bank of the country that regulates the financial industry. Yi is the first new appointment to lead the bank in more than 15 years.

During the summer of 2017, the Center for Justice and Law supported faculty and student research through the award of a competitive grant. Stacie Bosley, a professor in the School of Business, was awarded the grant for her project, "Judgment and Decision-Making in a Pyramid Scheme Experiment: Lessons for Active Consumer Education."

President Fayneese Miller has joined college and university presidents across the country in signing additional letters of support urging Congress to pass legislation as soon as possible to protect DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students.

Hamline Initiative for Professional and Academic Liaisons (HIPAL) enables student to start preparing for professional careers during their first year at Hamline with specialized career development resources.

The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has chosen Hamline University as one of the nation’s first Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center sites. Hamline was the only Minnesota institution chosen for the honor. The grant will engage and empower campus and community stakeholders to advance justice and build equitable communities.

WCCO TV and KARE 11 TV recently produced feature stories about Hamline's historic standing as the birthplace of intercollegiate basketball. Only four years after basketball was invented, Hamline hosted the first basketball game between two college teams. See the full story online.

Hamline is known as the birthplace of intercollegiate basketball, and the university recently celebrated a significant milestone in that history with the marking of the 80th anniversary of Hamline's basketball facility, now known as Hutton Arena.

Former Hamline President Charles Graham passed away after a brief illness on Friday, December 23 in Minneapolis. Graham was a distinguished university educator and administrator in Minnesota and Wisconsin who served as the 16th president of Hamline from 1981-1987.

Due to a generous gift from physics professor Jerry Artz in honor of his parents, the Wesley and Lorene Artz Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center will give psychology students the opportunity to dive into the hands-on research.

MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults faculty Gene Luen Yang wins a MacArthur Fellowship for his work as a graphic novelist and cartoonist.

Washington Monthly ranks Hamline first in Minnesota and 27th nationwide in its Master's Universities category for 2016. Hamline also named to the Best Bang for the Buck- Midwest Colleges list.

The Hamline hockey teams have direct connections to the Olympics with a three-time medalist coaching the women's hockey team and an alumni family that has connections to the "Miracle on Ice."

With so many books published by Hamline alumni, students, and faculty in the Creative Writing Programs this academic year, why not add one of these varied tales to your summer reading list?

Hamline School of Education alumna, adjunct faculty member, and Minnesota Teacher of the Year Dr. Amy Hewett-Olatunde EdD '15 was in Washington D.C. this week to meet with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week 2016. 

Hamline University student workers come together every April to compete for university-wide bragging rights in a series of inter-office games.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance selected Professors Shelly Schaefer and Sarah Greenman of Hamline’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science to be the research team for a Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program Planning Grant.

Hamline University will host distinguished philosopher Dr. Linda Martín Alcoff as the featured speaker for the 32nd annual Hanna Lectures on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.

Hamline University Athletics is pleased to announce that Charles “Chip” Taylor, Jr. is the new head football coach for the Pipers.

Watch the latest episode of the student-produced Piper Report for highlights from Winter Wonderjam, an introduction to the new lacrosse team, analysis of the 2016 presidential election, and a look at Black History Month events.

Hamline Initiative for Professional and Academic Liaisons (HIPAL), a new and unique program at Hamline, provides professional development opportunities for undergraduate students studying in the sciences.

For the third year in a row, Hamline University was named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. Hamline earned this accolade through its notable support of military service members and their spouses.

Dr. Vera Vogelsang-Coombs, the founding director of Hamline’s Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) Program, passed away in early February at age 65.

On February 9, 1895, Hamline University hosted the first-ever intercollegiate basketball game in the country.

On Friday, January 22, 2016, Hamline School of Education partnered with the Minnesota Department of Education and PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center to host the Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Conference.

Instructors in the Hamline Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults (MFAC) program Matt de la Peña, Laura Ruby, and Gene Luen Yang have won some of the most coveted honors amongst writers of children’s books.

A self-proclaimed “park rat,” Boe Carlson MPA ’09 has what he calls the perfect job. As superintendent of Three Rivers Park District, Carlson oversees more than 2,000 employees and deals with everything from budgets and human resources to public safety.

President Fayneese Miller was recently honored with a 2016 Community Action Award in the education category.

Alumni Roger ‘57 and Marilyn ‘58 Appeldorn have announced that they will fund a new effort called the Appeldorn Family Endowed Fund for Innovation Studies to support and enhance offerings that educate students in the innovation process.

Officials have signed the formal paperwork to create Mitchell Hamline School of Law. The combination brings together Hamline University School of Law and William Mitchell College of Law to create the largest independent law school in the region. 

Professor of Practice Jim Scheibel recently received the President’s Achievement Award from AmeriCorps VISTA.

Hamline welcomes the community to the 26th Annual Gospel Night Worship Service on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 6 p.m. in Sundin Music Hall.

Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor shares her experiences with first-year seminar students and encourages peaceful resolutions to conflict.

Watch video remarks from the Installation Ceremony of President Fayneese Miller including from Dr. Miller herself along with Senator Amy Klobuchar, Governor Mark Dayton, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Mayor Chris Coleman, and numerous other dignitaries in higher education.

Dr. Fayneese Miller was installed as the first African American president and second woman president at Hamline on Friday, October 2. Governor Mark Dayton declared Hamline University President Dr. Fayneese Miller Day.

A new Hamline Athletics Row of Honor to recognize coaches who have left an indelible impression on student athletes was unveiled at the Pipers Football game on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Many things at Hamline have changed since 1943 but one virtue still remains, Hamline is a place to make your mark, as did Hamline alumna and Hollywood starlet Coleen Gray.

Saturday, August 29 was a big day for Hamline at the Great Minnesota Get-Together with Hamline Alumni Day at the Fair and President Fayneese Miller making several appearances.