Hamline University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Hamline University, a private institution in Saint Paul, Minnesota, boasts a rich history and a diverse array of accomplished graduates. Founded as a coeducational institution, it holds the distinction of being among the first coeducational universities in the United States. Named in honor of Leonidas Lent Hamline, a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the university has consistently fostered an environment of academic excellence and innovation. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of Hamline University's most notable alumni, highlighting their contributions to various fields and their lasting impact on society.
Prominent Figures in Law and Politics
Hamline University has produced a significant number of influential figures in law and politics, including judges, politicians, and legal professionals.
Amy Klobuchar, a prominent U.S. Senator, is perhaps one of the most recognizable names among Hamline's alumni. Her career in public service exemplifies the university's commitment to civic engagement and leadership.
Andrea Jenkins, an American politician, writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. She is known for being the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States, since January 2018 on the Minneapolis City Council and as the council's president from January 2022 to January 2024.
Michael Gableman, an American lawyer and former justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, reflects the university's contribution to the legal field. Described as a hard-line conservative, Gableman's career has been marked by his dedication to the principles of law and justice.
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Anna Arnold Hedgeman, an African-American civil rights leader, politician, educator, and writer. Hedgeman served as executive director of the National Council for a Permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission, having worked on President Harry Truman's presidential campaign. She was also appointed to the cabinet of New York City mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr., becoming the first African-American woman to hold a cabinet post in New York.
Van Tran, a Vietnamese American attorney and politician in California, formerly served as a Republican member of the California State Assembly, representing portions of Orange County. He was the first Vietnamese American to serve in a state legislature.
Willis Winter Bradley Jr., a Representative from California, further illustrates Hamline's influence in the political arena.
Rich Stanek, an American politician and former law enforcement officer who served as the sheriff of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office from 2007 to 2019.
Anne McKeig, an associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, is its first Native American justice and the first Native American Woman to serve on any State Supreme Court.
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Patricia Anderson, an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023.
Chuck Wiger, a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota Senate.
Gordon Hintz, an American public servant and Democratic politician from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was the minority leader in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2017 through 2021.
Bill Frenzel, an American politician and businessman who represented Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1971 to 1991.
Carly Melin, a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. In February 2018, Melin became executive director of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, a labor group representing 70,000 union members. On January 31, 2019, Attorney General Keith Ellison appointed Melin as government affairs director for his office.
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Sharon Lubinski, an American law enforcement official who was the United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota, was the first openly lesbian United States Marshal.
Donovan Wayne Frank, a senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
John Lesch, a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, is a prosecuting attorney for Saint Paul.
Tony Lourey, an American politician, is a former Minnesota commissioner of human services and former Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) member of the Minnesota Senate, representing District 11.
Tony Sertich, a Minnesota politician and a former commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2011, representing District 5B. He also served as House Majority Leader from 2007 to 2011.
Mary Jo McGuire, an American politician and former member of the Minnesota Senate who represented District 66, previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1989 to 2003, representing District 54A.
Andy Dawkins, an American politician and attorney from Minnesota, is a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from Saint Paul.
These alumni, through their diverse roles and contributions, underscore Hamline University's role in shaping leaders and professionals who are committed to serving their communities and upholding the principles of justice and governance.
Contributions to Arts and Entertainment
Hamline University's influence extends to the realms of arts and entertainment, with alumni making notable contributions to film, television, and literature.
Coleen Gray, an American actress known for her roles in films such as Nightmare Alley (1947), Red River (1948), and Stanley Kubrick's The Killing (1956), represents the university's presence in the world of cinema.
Francine York, an American actress and model, further exemplifies Hamline's contribution to the entertainment industry.
William Fawcett Thompson, an American character actor who appeared in hundreds of films and television episodes, is best known for playing Pete Wilkey in the television series Fury which ran from 1955 to 1960.
Trung Le Nguyen, also known as Trungles, is a Vietnamese American cartoonist, best known as the author of the graphic novel The Magic Fish, published by Random House Graphic in 2020.
Daniel R. Bernstrom is the critically acclaimed author of seven picture books, including One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree. He won the Minnesota Book Award for Big Papa and the Time Machine, and his books have been on a number of notable lists.
Caren Stelson is the author of Sachiko: A Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Story, and A Bowl of Peace, a picture book of Sachiko Yasui’s story, as well as other works for children and young adults.
These alumni have enriched the cultural landscape through their creative endeavors, showcasing the university's ability to nurture talent and inspire artistic expression.
Leaders in Economics and Finance
Hamline University has also produced leaders in the fields of economics and finance, contributing to both national and international arenas.
Yi Gang, a Chinese economist who served as the governor of the People's Bank of China from 2018 to 2023, exemplifies the university's global reach. His leadership in China's central bank highlights Hamline's role in shaping influential figures in international finance.
Max Winter, a Minneapolis businessman and sport executive who helped found the Minnesota Vikings.
These alumni have made significant contributions to the economic and financial sectors, demonstrating the university's ability to produce graduates who can navigate and lead in complex global environments.
Pioneers in Athletics
Hamline University's athletic legacy is marked by individuals who have excelled in their respective sports, leaving a lasting impact on the world of athletics.
Vern Mikkelsen, an American professional basketball player, was one of the National Basketball Association's first power forwards in the 1950s. He was a six-time All-Star and four-time Second Team All-Pro, and was inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame and the sport's Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.
Duane Benson, an American football linebacker and politician.
John Arthur Norlander, an American professional basketball player born in Virginia, Minnesota.
Harold F. "Sleepy Hal" Haskins was an American professional basketball player and coach. He was an All-American player for the Hamline Pipers who led the team to the 1949 NAIA National Championship.
Marty Norton, an American football player.
These athletic alumni have brought recognition and pride to Hamline University through their achievements, demonstrating the university's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and athletically.
Innovators in Science and Technology
Hamline University's contributions to science and technology are represented by alumni who have made significant advancements in their fields.
Robert Morris Page, an American physicist who was a leading figure in the development of radar technology, exemplifies the university's impact on scientific innovation.
Foil Allan Miller was an American chemist and philatelist best known for his work in infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
These alumni have pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technological advancement, reflecting the university's dedication to fostering innovation and discovery.
Military and Public Service
Hamline University has a proud tradition of alumni serving in the military and public service, demonstrating their commitment to defending their country and serving their communities.
Robert Murray Hanson was a United States Marine Corps flying ace who shot down 25 Japanese planes from the South Pacific skies. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Edwin William Rawlings, a General in the USAF, was a leading figure in the administrative development of the United States Air Force (USAF).
Eli Lundy Huggins was an American Brigadier General and author who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Indian Wars.
Rozanne L. Ridgway served in the State Department, holding several posts, including ambassador to Finland and to East Germany, and finished her career as Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs.
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